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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2014, 17(4): 290-295pl  Ultraviolet protection properties of selected essential oilsMarta Matuszak, Daria Wieczorek, Katarzyna Wybieralska Katedra Technologii i Analizy Instrumentalnej, Wydział Towaroznawstwa, Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Poznaniu Summary Introduction. Natural essential oils as concentrated essences of plant extracts exhibit potential therapeutic properties. They are used in aromatherapy to help treat viral and fungal infections. They can be used also in removing mental tension, insomnia, fatigue and deconcentration. Essential oils are increasingly being used not only as a fragrance, as well as preservatives and sun protectors. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the UV-protection properties of selected essential oils. Material and Methods. By using indicators: critical wavelength (CW), the UVA/UVB ratio, UVA1/UV ratio and spectral uniformity index (SUI) were taken to assess the level of ultraviolet protection properties of essential oils. In this study 7 essential oils were analyzed: anise, bergamot, lemon, lavender, of Litsea cubeba, tea tree and orange. Result. From the conducted experiments it can be concluded that the highest UV-protection properties exhibits orange, lavender and lemon essential oil. Key words: essential oils, ultraviolet protection properties |