Cold-Pressed vs Refined (RBD) Carrier Oils — Two Cosmetic Grades
Most carrier oils are available in two commercial grades — cold-pressed (mechanical pressing, no heat) and RBD (refined / bleached / deodorised). Different cosmetic positioning, shelf life, and per-kg pricing. Applies to sweet almond, sesame, jojoba, sunflower, castor, olive.
Cold-Pressed
- Light golden / amber colour
- Mild characteristic aroma
- Retains full vitamin E + phytosterols
- Shelf life 12–15 months
- Clean-beauty / organic positioning
- Per-kg premium 20–40% vs RBD
RBD Refined
- Near-colourless / very pale
- Near-odourless
- Lower vitamin E (5–10 mg/100g vs 30+ in cold-press)
- Shelf life 18–24 months
- Mass-market cosmetic / FMCG positioning
- Workhorse pricing
When to choose what
Cold-pressed for
Clean-beauty D2C cosmetic, organic-certified positioning, premium face oil, ayurveda preparations.
RBD refined for
Mass-market cosmetic, soap base, FMCG body care, contract-manufactured baby oil, generic massage oil.
Don’t over-spec
For mass-market positioning, RBD is the economic choice. For premium clean-beauty positioning, cold-press is the integrity-of-label choice.
Hybrid approach
Some formulators blend RBD as the base (cost / shelf) + cold-press as 20% top-up (positioning + vitamin E load).
What ships consistently for both grades
Both ship with same QC architecture:
- NABL retain-sample testing
- Fatty acid profile (oleic + linoleic) reported
- Vitamin E quantification on COA
- Allergen statement on nut-source carriers
- 25 kg HDPE drum, 180 kg MS drum, FCL packaging
- Sample programme: 1 kg, paid, credit-back at bulk PI
- Organic-equivalent documentation on prior confirmation
Buyer FAQ
Can I label “cold-pressed” if I used RBD?
No — RBD is not cold-pressed. Labelling as such is a trade-descriptions violation.
Pricing premium for cold-press?
Typically 20–40% over RBD per kg.
Which has longer rack life in finished product?
RBD-based finished products typically hold stability 30–60% longer without antioxidant top-up.
Both available organic-certified?
Yes — both grades available with organic-equivalent documentation on confirmation.
Cold-pressed or RBD bulk quote in 4 hours
One RFQ — quote(s) back the same working day.