Different Solvents Used for RSO Extraction

While the general RSO production process — soak, strain, evaporate, collect — stays fairly consistent (see our guide on how RSO is made), the specific solvent used can vary between producers. This guide covers the most common solvents associated with RSO and how they compare at a general level.

Naphtha

Naphtha is the solvent originally associated with Rick Simpson's early method. It's an efficient solvent for pulling cannabinoids from plant material.

• Considerations: Highly flammable, and thorough purging is essential to avoid residual solvent in the finished product. Naphtha-based extraction has largely been replaced by other solvents in modern, quality-focused production due to purity and safety concerns.

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

Isopropyl alcohol is another traditional solvent used in RSO production, more widely available than naphtha for home and small-scale use historically.

• Considerations: Also flammable and requires careful, complete purging. Some producers and consumers have raised concerns about IPA's suitability for a consumable product compared to alternatives, which has contributed to a shift toward other solvents in commercial production.

Ethanol (Food-Grade Alcohol)

Ethanol, particularly food-grade or high-proof grain alcohol, has become an increasingly common solvent for full-spectrum extracts, including many modern RSO and FECO products.

• Considerations: Still flammable and requiring proper purging, but generally viewed as more suitable for a consumable product than industrial solvents like naphtha. Ethanol extraction is also compatible with more controlled, closed-loop commercial equipment.

CO2 Extraction

Carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction is a different approach used in some full-spectrum and cannabis oil production, using pressurized CO2 rather than a traditional liquid solvent.

• Considerations: CO2 leaves no residual solvent by nature of the process (it returns to a gaseous state), which some consider an advantage. CO2 extraction requires specialized, more expensive equipment, which is why it's more common in larger commercial operations than small-scale production.

Why Solvent Choice Matters

The solvent used affects several things:

• Safety during production, given the flammability of most traditional solvents


• Residual solvent risk in the finished product if purging isn't thorough


• What gets extracted alongside cannabinoids — different solvents can pull varying amounts of plant waxes, chlorophyll, and other compounds (see our guide on common components found in RSO)

A Safety Note

All solvent-based extraction — regardless of which solvent is used — involves real fire and chemical safety risks during the evaporation/purging step. This is why commercial production is handled in controlled facility environments with proper ventilation, equipment, and safety protocols, rather than as a casual home process.

How to Know What Solvent Was Used in a Specific Product

Reputable producers often disclose their extraction method and solvent, and a Certificate of Analysis (COA) will confirm residual solvent levels regardless of which solvent was originally used — which is ultimately the more important safety indicator for a finished product.

Learn More

Read more in our guides on RSO, how RSO is made, and solvent-based vs. solventless extraction, or browse the full guides library. Questions? Visit our FAQ or contact us. Learn more about us, and review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, and is not intended as a production or how-to guide.