2021 Volume 22 Issue 2 Pages 37-46
This study determined the vitamin E and phytosterol content in carrier oils for aromatherapy. We analyzed vitamin E homologue α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols and α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocotorienols and three phytosterol kinds (campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol) in those carrier oils, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) in selected ion monitoring mode. Vitamin E and phytosterols, which have functional properties, such as antioxidation, skin cornification prevention, and anti-inflammation, were detected in varying proportions in many carrier oils studied here. Among the 22 carrier oils, organic calendula oil has the richest tocopherol and α-tocopherol followed by wheat germ and organic arnica oils. Tocotorienols were detected in 13 carrier oils. Grapeseed oil contained all the vitamin E homologues and has the highest α-tocotorienol content among all the samples. Phytosterol content was predominant in wheat germ and jojoba virgin oils and in most other oils. These results suggest that the role of carrier oils in skin treatment will also have some of the physiological effects of vitamin E and phytosterols on the skin, in addition to the physical effect of the oil.
