fragrances + skin care Flashcards
(17 cards)
What are essential oils?
Concentrated extracts of the volatile, non-water soluble aroma compounds from plants.
In which products are essential oils widely used?
Perfumes, cosmetic products, cleaning products, and as flavourings in foods.
What are terpenes?
Key components in most essential oils formed by joining isoprene units.
What is the chemical structure of isoprene?
2-methylbuta-1,3-diene.
How can terpenes be altered within plants?
They can be oxidised to produce compounds responsible for distinctive aromas of spices.
What can be identified within the structural formula of a terpene-based molecule?
An isoprene unit.
What is ultraviolet (UV) radiation?
A high-energy form of light present in sunlight.
What effects does UV light have on skin?
Causes sunburn and accelerates ageing of the skin.
What do sun-block products do?
Prevent UV light from reaching the skin.
What are free radicals?
Atoms or molecules that are highly reactive due to the presence of unpaired electrons.
What are the steps involved in free radical chain reactions?
Initiation, propagation, and termination.
What are free radical scavengers?
Molecules that react with free radicals to form stable molecules and prevent chain reactions.
In which products are free radical scavengers commonly added?
Cosmetics, food products, and plastics.
What are antioxidants?
Molecules that prevent unwanted oxidation reactions occurring
Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
What do antioxidants do in relation to oxidation?
They are substances that are easily oxidised, and oxidise in place of the compounds they have been added to protect
This means that antioxidants can sacrifice themselves to protect other molecules.
In a redox equation, how can antioxidants be identified?
As the substance being oxidised
Redox equations involve the transfer of electrons, and antioxidants can be seen as reducing agents.
