FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SEED OILS FOR THEIR ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND SUN SCREENING EFFECT

Abstract

The present work was designed to formulate and evaluate topical formulation for its antioxidant properties using various fruit seed oils reported for their antioxidant effect. Products containing natural antioxidants are used for combating the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiations thus producing photo protective effect and have the ability to heal and repair the skin giving a smooth texture and glow to the facial skin. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO), Carrot seed oil (CSO) and almond oil are widely known for its benefits in prevention of disease due to the bioactive constituents it contains such as polyphenols, flavonoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids. These seed oils are reported for their antioxidant properties, sun protecting, anti-aging and skin rejuvenating properties. In the present work these seed oils were analyzed for their poly unsaturated fatty acid content (Linoleic acid and oleic acid) using GC-MS and HPTLC. The formulation were prepared using blend of the three oil namely PSO,CSO and almond oil ( 3% and 5%)with carbopol, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol as emulsifying and thickening agents. Further, in-vitro antioxidant activity was carried out by using reducing power assay and DPPH assay for the oils and formulation. The sun screening effect of the seed oils and formulation was studied by using Mansur equation. The physicochemical parameters of the formulations (F1 to F4) were studied and subjected for stability studies for three months at30 ± 2º C and 65%± 5% RH. Based on the physicochemical parameters, stability and the antioxidant activity, F4 formulation containing 10 % of seed oils can be considered as best for its use in skin care.