Oleoresin

Oleoresins are semi-solid extracts composed of resin and essential or fatty oil. They are obtained by evaporating relevant solvents.^[1] The oleoresin of conifers is known as crude turpentine or gum turpentine, which consists of oil of turpentine and rosin.^[2]

Properties

Processing of oleoresins is conducted on a large scale, especially in China (400,000 tons per year in the 1990s), but the technology is too labor-intensive to be viable in countries with high labor costs, such as the US.^[3]

Use

Oleoresin capsicum tear gas being sprayed on a guardsman

Oleoresin capsicum is commonly used as a basis for pepper sprays. There are also uses known in the manufacture of soaps of cosmetics, as well as coloring agents for foods. A well-known pipe thread sealant, Rectorseal #5, is stated to have an "oleoresinous base".