The science behind the extract.
Most creams treat the surface. Waipu Extracts works at the source — using a full-spectrum Mānuka leaf extract with 42+ bioactive compounds that standard distillation can't capture.
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Standard creams don't reach the source.
Conventional eczema treatments manage symptoms. They don't address the underlying microbial and inflammatory drivers. Here's why.
✗ Suppress inflammation temporarily
✗ Steroids that thin skin over time
✗ No antibacterial action against S. aureus
✗ Synthetic compounds, often irritating
✗ Symptoms return when you stop
✓ Full-spectrum bioactive compounds
✓ Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal
✓ 267×+ above C. acnes threshold
✓ Zero synthetic additives — pure extract
✓ Supports the skin barrier to rebuild
Why supercritical fluid extraction changes everything.
The extraction method determines what compounds survive. Most Mānuka products use steam distillation — a process that destroys the very compounds that make the leaf effective.
| Property | Steam Distillation | Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 100°C+ — destroys heat-sensitive compounds | Near ambient — compounds preserved intact |
| Compounds captured | ~8–12 volatile compounds | 42+ bioactive compounds |
| Triketone content | Variable, often <10% | Guaranteed 30%+ per batch |
| Grandiflorone | ~0.52% — virtually absent | 15–27% — the most potent natural triketone |
| Antibacterial potency | Inconsistent | 267×+ above C. acnes threshold; 80×+ above S. aureus threshold (Hyper-Blend, tested) |
| Solvent residue | Possible | None — CO₂ evaporates completely |
Not all Mānuka products are equal.
Triketone content and extract concentration determine real-world antibacterial potency. Here's how Waipu Extracts compares to a typical Mānuka oil product on the market.
| Metric | Typical Mānuka Oil Product | Waipu Extracts's Mānuka |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction method | Steam distillation | Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) |
| Triketone content | 5–10% | 30%+ guaranteed per batch |
| Effective triketone dose | 0.10–0.20% | 2.4%+ |
| Above S. aureus killing threshold | 1× to 6.7× — barely effective | 24× to 80× |
| Above C. acnes killing threshold | Low — variable by batch | 267×+ |
| Slow-release wax matrix | Not present — steam distillation destroys it | Tetratetracontane — keeps actives on skin for hours |
S. aureus killing threshold: 0.03–0.1%. C. acnes killing threshold: 0.01–0.03%. Waipu figures based on independent lab testing (Bionos Biotech, ISO 9001:2015). Competitor figures based on publicly available product specifications.
Four compound classes. One extract.
42+ molecules preserved through supercritical CO₂ extraction at 31°C
The primary antibacterial class. Guaranteed 30%+ per batch. Active against C. acnes at 267×+ and S. aureus — the bacteria colonising ~90% of eczema skin — at 80×+ above the killing threshold.
Anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Published research shows beta-caryophyllene activates receptors involved in reducing skin inflammation.
Antifungal compounds active against Malassezia and Candida — the fungal component of skin conditions often overlooked in standard treatments.
Tetratetracontane (11.44%) — a slow-release wax matrix that keeps active compounds on the skin for hours. Impossible to capture via steam distillation.
The numbers behind the claims.
Supercritical fluid extraction
A technologically advanced method
This technique is gaining traction in the fragrance industry because of its effectiveness in preserving the biological properties of plants without degradation. It yields a purer plant essence.
How does it work?
The plant material is placed in a chamber where it is carefully heated to 31.1°C and pressurised to 70 Bar. Under these conditions, the CO₂ becomes "supercritical," exhibiting the characteristics of both a gas (for penetration and diffusion) and a liquid (for retention). This enables the precise capture of specific molecules. Once the actives are absorbed, the CO₂ is depressurised, losing its retention properties and allowing us to collect the actives. The gas is then recirculated for ongoing extraction, ensuring an efficient process.
Is it safe?
The procedure is highly secure. We utilise specialised equipment that features multiple safety valves and precise measurements. Additionally, since CO₂ is non-flammable, there's no risk of it suddenly igniting.
Once the extracts are collected, any remaining CO₂ naturally evaporates, ensuring no residue remains. Rest assured, this process is both effective and safe.
Do you produce CO₂ to extract?
No we don't. We know how negative CO₂ image can be and this is a point we want to clear up.
We purchase CO₂ from gas supplier. The gas is then recycled at more than 85% with our equipment making this extraction not only economic but also Carbon Zero.
Why is is better?
The benefits of CO₂ extraction are numerous:
- It is safe and eliminates the use of harsh chemical solvents.
- Environmentally friendly: the gas is recyclable.
- Precise and gentle: it preserves molecular integrity, resulting in a higher quality extract.
Drawback: the cost of the equipment.
I get it but I need more information on Supercritical extraction
Not a problem. Here are two articles we created so you can dive into more knowledge.
The science, in two steps.
The Soothing Starter contains both products in trial sizes, everything you need to test the full system for 2-4 weeks.
Hyper Blend
The active treatment. Apply directly to the affected area. The 42+ bioactive compounds begin working immediately — antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal.
Skin Rescue Balm
Seals in the active compounds, protects and rebuilds the skin barrier. Also use alone when skin feels tight or itchy between applications.
