Analysis of biologically active substances in apricot oil

The Master’s thesis is focused on the analysis of biologically active substances in apricot kernel oil. Apricot oil has recently begun to be widely used in the cosmetics industry, particularly as a part of massage oils or as part of moisturizing creams. The aim of this thesis is to characterize and assess the quality of apricot oil, determination of the content of selected active ingredients, through a series of analytical methods, and subsequent use of this oil in cosmetics and food industry. The thesis is based on the comparison of the quality of pure apricot oil and the oil after the fermentation process. It has been found that apricot kernel oil actually contains large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids. The excellent antioxidant activity of apricot kernels was proven too, especially those after fermentation. In addition to antioxidant activity, the samples contain a relatively large amount of tocopherol after the fermentation. Tocopherol is important for the uptake of free radicals in lipid bilayers, thus slowing down aging, protect the membranes and also prevent from possible cardiovascular and oncological diseases. Furthermore, in the Master’s thesis there were confirmed not only the hydration effects of creams with apricot oil, but also their ability of inhibic transepidermal loss of water from the epidermis. Creams were tested on five probands, aged 23–24, with different skin types. After the application of creams to their skin, these properties greatly improved, the skin has been regenerated and hydrated for 24 hours after the treatment