Unit 2 - Skin Care and Fragrances Flashcards
What are essential oils?
Concentrated extracts of oil soluble aroma compounds from plants
(Smelly stuff from plants that won’t dissolve in water)
What does “essential” stand for in essential oils and what should it not be confused with?
The ESSENCE of the plant or what makes it recognisable - the smell
Do not confuse with essential amino acids where they are required or needed
Are essential oils volatile?
Yes
Are essential oils soluble in water?
No
Are essential oils mixtures?
Yes - lots of organic compounds mixed together giving the overall smell
What process is used to extract essential oils from plants?
Steam distillation
What are essential oils commonly useful for?
Perfumes, cosmetic products, cleaning products, hygiene products etc.
What are the most common compounds found in essential oils?
Terpenes
What are terpenes?
They are unsaturated compounds (contain double carbon bonds) formed by joining together isoprene (2-methylbuta-1,3-diene) units.
What is the formula of one terpene molecule?
C5H8
What is the terpene rule?
If it’s made from terpenes it will be a multiple of C5H8 exactly
What functional group is present in terpenes?
An alkene bond (C=C)
What is UV Radiation?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a high-energy form of light, present in sunlight.
What can UV radiation do to chemical bonds?
It can break them
What does the fact that the UV light can break bonds within molecules mean for us as humans?
The UV light can cause sunburn and accelerates ageing of the skin and can cause skin cancers.
