What Is A Terpene Isolate?

Watch the Terpene Isolate Definition from our CSO Kevin Koby:

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It’s all “terpene isolates this” and “terpene isolates that,” but a lot of people are left wondering: What exactly isolates are anyway...

If you’re like us, you might be a little obsessed with all the research being done on terpenes. We’re doing quite a bit of it ourselves and it’s pretty exciting. Every day there are more and more discoveries about the many benefits of those beautiful little terpene isolates.

By now you probably know that terpenes are compounds that give plants their distinct aromas or flavors. But through manufacturing processes, many products lose the natural terpenes that were originally present in their ingredients. 

To ensure that a product has the most powerful effects, terpene isolates can be added back in to preserve the entourage effect.  Want to make sure that your lavender bath soak promotes maximum relaxation? Consider adding linalool terpene isolates. Need to give your vape juice an energizing kick? Pump it up with an L-Menthol terpene isolate.

That’s why a lot of people are adding terpene isolates to their products. They want to strengthen any temporary effects their products may promote--think mood elevation, alertness, or even tranquility. The nice thing about our terpene isolates though, is that they’re distilled and redistilled for the highest quality and they contain zero CBD, THC, or any illegal substances.

So terpenes are totally cool and all, but what the heck is an isolate?

Don’t worry, this is the part where we break it down for you.

What is an Isolate?

In terms of chemistry, the most basic definition of an isolate is: “a substance in an uncombined or pure state.” So a terpene isolate is just a terpene in its purest form. 

When you’re adding terpenes to food, beverages, or vapes, you ONLY want to add in the purest substances. That way you know there aren’t any additional additives that could throw off the flavor profile.

How exactly does someone isolate a terpene though? Well, it all starts with natural organic ingredients. 

A plant is distilled until you get an essential oil. Now essential oils are pretty powerful by themselves, but they contain several different terpenes. Distilling the oils even further allows you to isolate specific terpenes for maximum potency--ergo terpene isolates!

That’s the simplest explanation for how to get terpene isolates, but there are several different ways you can distill them. We like to use a method called molecular distillation.

What is Molecular Distillation?

Previous methods of distillation--including steam distillation, hydrodistillation, or even cold ethanol extraction--came with various pros and cons. Some methods created too much heat which damaged the terpenes beyond repair, and others didn’t remove enough of the additional substances from the plant matter. Basically, those methods just don’t cut it anymore.

Molecular distillation, on the other hand, can produce some of the purest isolates on the market. There are a few different designs, but they all go through the same basic steps. 

First plant matter is refined into an essential oil. This oil is then heated so certain compounds vaporize. As the vapor rises it enters a condenser where it’s cooled and re-liquified in a separate chamber. From there, those oxygenated compounds are removed. The remaining oil becomes more and more concentrated until you’re left with terpene isolates.

Think of it like distilled water. When water is heated enough to vaporize the H20 molecules, it leaves behind any unwanted compounds. Those compounds are removed, the water vapor is then rapidly cooled so that it condenses, and then you have purified drinking water. 

The benefits of the molecular distillation process include the finished isolates being completely solvent-less, filler-free, and incredibly pure. There’s also less decomposition from excess heat, meaning that fewer plants will need to be used in the distillation process. 

Conclusion: Isolates are the Key to Consistency

Being able to control the different ingredients going into a product is SO important! That’s what allows you to create a specific sensorial experience that your customers will know and love for years to come. But when it comes to the plants you source your ingredients from...consistency isn’t always possible.

Things like weather, soil quality, and farming techniques can all change the amount of terpenes that a plant produces. If you harvest a crop of plants that don’t have an adequate amount of terpenes, the smell and taste of your products will be affected. 

Instead of changing your formula to account for variations in terpene levels, take back control by utilizing terpene isolates! Having that kind of control will ultimately save you time, money, and a major headache. 

So just say goodbye to the guessing game already. Consider using Abstrax Terpene Isolates and rest easy knowing your products will be consistent every time.