Authors : Prachi Lakhe, Mamta Chopde, Monica Borikar
Page Nos : 229-233
Description :
Moisturizer plays a vital role in keeping skin nourished, soft and supple. Skin health depends on maintaining the balance between skin surface lipids and water content of stratum corneum. Various moisturizers are available under the category of natural, herbal and organic focusing on emolliency and hydrating properties. Natural products are preferred over synthetic ones by the consumers due to their minimum side effects.
Watermelon is one of the unexplored seed left after consuming the fruit. Watermelon seed oil consist of high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic and omega 3,6 and 9 fatty acids. The oil is effective for skin care as it is light, easily absorbed and penetrates deeply into the skin. It also consists of vitamins, protein and minerals.
Watermelon seeds were procured, authenticated and oil was extracted by Cold Press method. For analysis of compounds present in oil, Gas Chromatography technique was used. The analysis showed a high content of unsaturated fatty acids having 22.7% oleic acid and 57.66% linoleic acid which proved to have excellent moisturizing property.
