Absolutes are concentrated aromatic liquids extracted from plants. Unlike essential oils, which are extracted through steam distillation, absolutes use extraction process. This method is necessary for certain plants that either:
Don't yield enough oil through steam distillation to make it cost-effective.
Have delicate aromas that would be damaged by the heat of steam distillation.
Absolutes are often thicker and more luxurious than essential oils, and their scent is generally considered more true to the original plant material. They also tend to be more expensive.
