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Extraction and Characterization of Coconut Oil in Cream Production

Article in Journal of Applied Chemical Science International · August 2023

DOI: 10.56557/JACSI/2023/v14i28354

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 Journal of Applied Chemical Science International

Volume 14, Issue 2, Page 18-27, 2023; Article no.JACSI.11548

ISSN: 2395-3705 (P), ISSN: 2395-3713 (O)

Extraction and Characterization of

Coconut Oil in Cream Production
Ejimofor, Chiamaka Frances a, Nwakoby, Nnamdi Enoch a,
Oledibe, Odira Johnson b, Mbaukwu, Onyinye Ann b*
and Afam-Ezeaku, Chikaodili Eziamaka b
a
Department of Biological Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli,
Anambra State, Nigeria.
b
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. Author ECF designed the study,
performed the statistical analysis, wrote the protocol, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript.
Authors NNE and OOJ managed the analyses of the study. Authors MOA and AECE managed
the literature searches. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Article Information
DOI: 10.56557/JACSI/2023/v14i28354

Received: 11/04/2023
Original Research Article Accepted: 13/06/2023
Published: 25/08/2023

ABSTRACT

The use of coconut oil as a moisturiser in cream manufacture has been a recent topic of discussion.
In this work, coconut oil was extracted from coconut seeds using the Soxhlet extraction method,
and the resulting oil was then characterised and utilised to make cream. As a solvent, regular
hexane was employed during the extraction procedure. The coconut seeds' poximate composition
reveals that their moisture content ranges from 38 to 48 percent, along with ash (1 to 4 percent),
lipids (18 to 20 percent), protein (6 to 7 percent), fibre (3 to 10 percent), and carbs (15 to 22
percent). According to the analysis's findings, coconut seed oil has a yield percentage of 20.11%, a
pH of 5.03, a refractive index of 0.81, and a specific gravity of 0.97. 208.61 mg KOH/g of
saponification value, Acid value of 4.207mgKOH, peroxide value of 33.20mgKOH/kg, and iodine
value of 12.54gI/100g. Using the fundamental ingredients of moisturizer(s), emulsifier system,
water, and preservative, body moisturising cream was created in the lab. The percentage yield,
colour, specific gravity, and pH of the created cream were assessed and compared to commercial
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Corresponding author: E-mail: oa.mbaukwu@unizik.edu.com;

J. Appl. Chem. Sci. Int., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 18-27, 2023
 Frances et al.; J. Appl. Chem. Sci. Int., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 18-27, 2023; Article no.JACSI.11548
cream. Evaluation revealed that the manufactured cream met requirements and had acceptable
moisturization. The body lotion made from coconut oil had a constant texture, showed little patch
reactivity, and smelled well.
Conclusion: Since coconut seed oil cream has superior quality than commercial body lotion, it can
be utilised for cosmetic purposes.
Keywords: Extraction; characterization; production; coconut oil.
1. INTRODUCTION
In many tropical districts of southeast Nigeria,
coconut farming and processing have been the
main economic activity in rural communities.
FAO/WHO [1] state that oils have long been a
crucial component of human diets. They
contribute significantly to the industrial
development of a variety of chemical goods,
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, and most
crucially, food [2]. Natural esters of lengthy
straight-chain carboxylic acids are found in oils.
Coconut is less likely to result in weight gain than
polyunsaturated oils and has significant anti-
carcinogenic and antipathogenic characteristics
(Coconut Research Centre, 2014). The classic
coconut oil and the coconut protein are two of the
many items that the contemporary coconut
business is able to produce from coconuts for
use in meals. Traditionally, coconut milk, both full
fat and defatted (or skimmed), has been used to
recover and utilise the bulk of coconut protein.
The majority of earlier studies have concentrated
on the production and preservation of coconut
milk's stability. Riechart, [3] investigated how
coconut milk was prepared and maintained its
stability using single-stage extraction, two-stage
countercurrent extraction, and fat-protein
emulsion.
They are lipids that are members of the
saponifiable class and include ester groups.
According to Dayrit [4], triacylglycerol molecules,
which are mostly made up of saturated and
unsaturated fatty acids (myristic, palmitic, and
stearic acids, among others) are what make up
edible oils. They can be created from a single
fatty acid that has been up to three times
esterified to produce glycerol [5]. Different food
applications and sectors are interested in edible
oils derived from plant sources. In addition to
being essential diet components, they give meals
their distinctive smells and textures and can be a
source of oleo compounds [6].
The major commercial segment of the coconut
industry has historically been the manufacturing
of coconut oil from "copra" (dehydrated coconut
19
meat) [7].The use of copra as food has been
restricted for a number of reasons, including lipid
oxidation and microbial contamination caused by
the high temperature and unclean conditions
during drying and storage (Kaunitz, and Dayrit.
2012). Despite the fact that copra contains
proteins of a comparatively excellent nutritional
quality. High crude fibre content and poor protein
recovery due to the nut's low protein content and
poor protein extractability are further limiting
factors [8]. Despite the urgent need for extra
dietary proteins in many coconut-producing
nations, most of the potentially important coconut
proteins have so far been lost due to these
issues. This study was conducted with the
justification that new food products could be
created using coconut derivatives, increasing the
use of the coconut and reducing waste of the
potentially valuable indigenous food source in the
countries that produce coconuts [9]. Given that
the saturated fat in coconut milk has been shown
to be a good saturated fat that is easily
metabolised to provide the body with quick
energy, the new products made from coconut
may have a nutritional composition that is
desirable, particularly in relation to cholesterol-
inducing fat levels [10]. Contrary to common
belief, coconut oil does not convert to bad
cholesterol and cause arteries to get clogged. In
fact, societies all over the world who rely
primarily on coconut as a source of fat have been
discovered to be heart disease-free. The main
fatty acid in coconut milk is lauric acid, which is
also widely present in mothers' milk and has
been shown to support healthy brain
development.
1.1 Statement of the Problem
Since oilseeds are predominantly produced for
their oil and meal, there has been a rise in the
production of oilseeds globally over the past
thirty years. This trend appears to be tied to the
rising demand for oilseed products and by-
products. Due to the fact that there is often more
demand for oil than there is for cake, vegetable
oil is always more expensive per tonne than
cake. The use of copra as food has been
 Frances et al.; J. Appl. Chem. Sci. Int., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 18-27, 2023; Article no.JACSI.11548
restricted for a variety of reasons, including lipid
oxidation and microbial contamination caused by
the high temperature and unclean conditions
during drying and storage (Kaunitz, and Dayrit.
2012). Copra does, however, contain proteins of
a pretty excellent nutritional grade. The recovery
of coconut oil via the conventional wet method is
typically poor, at approximately 30%, in an effort
to meet the general need for oil production from
coconuts, support the country's struggle to foster
indigenous technology, and try to save our
foreign exchange [11]. As a result, it is necessary
to investigate several techniques that are
currently used to produce coconut oil from either
fresh coconut meat or copra (dried coconut
kernel). These technologies include the wet
process, the dry process, and the solvent
extraction all of which are more sanitary than the
standard extraction procedures.
1.2 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to extract and
characterize coconut oil in cream production from
coconuts sold in the open market within Awka
metropolis
1.3 Objectives
The specifc objectives includes to: Extract oil
from the kernel of coconut using indirect
extraction method, characterization of each oil for
its physiochemical properties and utilization of
the coconut oil in cream production.
1.4 Significance of the Study
There are various implications when describing
coconut oil's versatility. Communities in the West
African nations rely heavily on the money
generated by agribusiness. In order to fulfil
market demand and the needs of society at
large, this research will allow researchers to
boost the yield of coconut oil. The findings will
also serve as a database for future industrialist
who want to start making oil from coconut seed.
The work's findings will also help the
unemployed in society since they will highlight
important and novel uses for coconut oil,
particularly in the cosmetics industry. The
government or private individuals can also set up
new industries to produce coconut oil-based
goods, which will boost their income.
1.5 Scope of the Study
The present work covers the extractinon and
characterization of coconut oil to determine the
20
physiochemical properties of the extracted oil
using standard AOAC method of 2005 in Awka
metropolis [12].
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Apparatus/Materials
Density bottle, digital weighing balance
viscometer, refractometer, PH electrode,
Refractometer, Heating mantle, thermometer,
water bath volumetric flask reflux condenser,
3 3
burette (50cm ), pipette (250cm ) separating
funnel, measuring cylinder, round bottom flask,
glass rod /stirrer, beakers, conical flask, spatula,
Distillation apparatus, mechanical stirrer,
beakers.
2.2 Chemical Reagents
Chloroform, Diethyl ether, ethanol, acetic acid,
potassium iodide, sodium hydroxide, sodium
thiosulphate, alcoholic potassium hydroxides,
HCL, Distilled water, phanolphthalin indicator.
2.3 Sample Collection
The coconut seed samples were purchased from
the Eke Awka market in Anambra state in
Nigeria. The seed were hulled with a stainless
o
knife, and dried at 40 C in the oven for 5 hours.
Two hundred gram of the seed was ground into
small pieces using a mains- operated food
grinder (HR 2811 Philip Model). The dried
samples were kept in an air tight sample
o
container in a refrigerator (4 C) until ready for
analysis.
2.4 Experimental Procedure
2.4.1 Extraction of oil from coconut oil
In this procedure, the Soxhlet extractor was
employed for the indirect extraction (leaching). A
thimble containing 10g of ground coconut
samples was put inside the inner tube of the
soxhlet extractor. Then, this equipment was
attached to a flask with a circular bottom that
held 200 millilitres of the solvent (n-hexane or).
On the device, a reflux condenser was also
placed and attached. A retort stand was used to
secure the set-up, and a heating mantle was
turned on for extraction durations of 30, 60, 90,
and 120 minutes at the solvent's boiling point
(600C). The solvent-condensed vapour that was
condensed by the condenser and passed
 Frances et al.; J. Appl. Chem. Sci. Int., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 18-27, 2023; Article no.JACSI.11548
through the tube slowly fills the thimble as it is
received. The part of the sample that had been
extracted in the thimble was removed when the
solvent reached the top of the tube and
syphoned over into the flask. The device was
disassembled and the procedure automatically
repeated itself for the extraction times.
After extraction and drying in an electric oven,
the bulk of coconut was weighed, and the weight
was noted. The same Soxhlet extractor was used
for the solvent recovery procedure. The miscella,
also known as the solvent and oil combination,
was heated in the flask. The solvent vaporised
under continuous heating and then condensed in
the thimble chamber. Earlier than being
syphoned back into the flask, the solvent was
collected. After that, the oil was retrieved, and
the mass was noted.
2.4.2 Characterization of the extracted
coconut oil
The following physicochemical characteristics
were analyzed in the oil, Specific gravity,
Refractive index, PH, Viscosity, Acid value,
Saponification value, Iodine value, Ester value,
Free fatty acid value, Peroxide value.
2.4.3 Determination of specific gravity
Density bottle was used in determining the
density of the oil. A clean and dry specific gravity
bottle was weighed as (W 0) and then filled with
the oil and reweighed to give (W 1). The oil was
substituted with water after washing and drying
the bottle and weighed to give (W 2). The formular
for specific gravity is
– 2.4.7 Determination of Acid Value
–
Where
W 0 = weight of the specific gravity bottle.
W 1 = Weight of the oil + specific gravity bottle
W 2 = weight of water + specific gravity bottle
2.4.4 Determination of viscosity
For testing the fluid, a clean, dry viscometer with
a flow duration more than 200 seconds was
used. To remove dust and other solid
contaminants from the liquid sample, it was
filtered through a sintered glass (fine mesh
screen). By lowering the thinner arm of the tube
21
into the liquid sample and applying suction
pressure until it reached the upper timing mark of
the viscometer, the viscosity metre was charged
with the sample. Then, it was rotated back to its
regular vertical position. The sample was given
around 10 minutes to reach the bath temperature
o
of 29 C before inserting the viscometer into a
holder and into the constant temperature bath.
The sample was then drawn just above the top
time mark using the suction force that had been
applied to the thinner arm. The sample defect
was timed as it freely flowed from the top timing
mark to the lower timing mark, and the afflux time
was then recorded.
2.4.5 Determination of refractive index
This determination was made using a refractive
metre. A few drops of the sample were placed in
the refractometer's glass slide. To maintain a
consistent temperature on the glass slide, water
heated to 30°C was pumped around it. The black
area seen through the refract meter's eyepiece
was adjusted to be parallel to the cross'
intersection with no parallax error. The refractive
index was the target of the scale's pointer.
Refractive index was determined by repeating
this process and recording the mean value.
2.4.6 Determination of PH
2g of the oil sample was put to a clean, dry 25ml
beaker, which was then slowly swirled after
receiving 13ml of hot, distilled water. Then, it was
o
chilled to 25 C in a cold-water bath. The PH
electrode was calibrated with butter solution,
submerged in the sample, and its reading and
recording of the PH value.
Using the titrometric technique of Pearson, 1970,
the acid value was calculated. A conical flask
was used to accurately weigh 5 ml of the oil
sample, which was then combined with 10 ml of
carbon tetrachloride to dissolve it. A few drops of
the phenolyphthalain indicator were then added,
and the solution was then titrated with 0.1 m
alcoholic potassium hydroxide until a pink colour
emerged and persisted for a few seconds. The
titration was then repeated twice, and an average
titer was determined.
The acid value was calculated as follow:
 Frances et al.; J. Appl. Chem. Sci. Int., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 18-27, 2023; Article no.JACSI.11548
2.4.8 Determination of saponification value
The indicator approach was applied in
accordance with 1S0 3657 (1988). Weighing 2g
of the oil sample into a conical flask. Then 2.5ml
of potassium hydroxide 0.1N ethanolic was
added. The continually stirred mixture was given
60 minutes to gradually boil. The flask holding
the mixture had a reflux condenser on it. Warm
solution was diluted with a few drops of
phenolpthalain indicator before being titrated with
0.5n HC to the end point when the indicator's
pink colour just about vanished. For additional
samples and a blank, the same process was
applied. The saponification value formula is as
follows:
–
Where
V0 = sample titration
V1 = Blank titration
N = Normality of HCL
Molecular weight of KOH = 56.1
2.4.9 Determination of iodine value
The titrametric technique of Pearson, 1970 was
used to calculate the iodine value. A 250 ml dry
glass stopper bottle was filled with 1g of the oil
sample, and 1ml of carbon tetrachloride was
added to the oil. Following the addition of around
20ml of wig's solution (iodine monochloride),
which was then left to stand in the dark for 30
minutes, 15ml of potassium iodide (10%), 100ml
of water, and then 0.1N sodium thiosulphate
solution were added, and starch was used as an
indicator to titrate with shortly before the end
points. Along with the oil samples, a blank was
also created.
The formula provided the iodine value.
– components that were included. The solution
Where
V1 = Titre value for blank
V2 = titre value of the sample
M = morality of the standard thiosulphate
solution
3
12.69mg = 1cm of 0.1m sodium
thiosulphate.
22
2.4.10 Determination of peroxide value
With the use of Pearson, (1970) titrametric
approach, the peroxide value was calculated. A
conical flask containing 1g of the oil sample and
20ml of a solvent mixture (Glacial acetic acid and
chloroform) were weighed. This spent 30
seconds in the hot water. The liquid was then
transferred into a flask that already had 20ml of
5% iodine solution inside. Using starch as an
indicator, 0.002m sodium thiosulphate solution
was then titrated in the flask after being cleaned
up with 25ml of distilled water. Along with the oil
samples, a blank was also created.
The following formula provides the peroxide
value:
–
2.5 Body Lotion Ingredients
The lotion was created utilising Nweke's (2011)
designed formulary. With the exception of
beeswax being used with vegetable oil-based
creams and paraffin wax being used with
coconut oil-based creams, the same raw
ingredients were utilised to formulate the product.
Aqueous and lipid phases will be used to classify
the materials.
2.5.1 Aqueous phase
Glycerol, methyl-p-hydroxy benzoate, and
triethanolamine will be added to deionized water
in a stainless steel container together with other
water-soluble ingredients, and the solution will be
heated until it reaches a temperature of around
70°C.
2.5.2 Lipid phase
To the stainless steel jar of coconut oil.
Beeswax/paraffin wax, lanolin, cetyl alcohol,
stearic acid, propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, and
tocopherol are examples of other oil-soluble
was then heated to a temperature of around
70°C.
2.5.3 With the use of a mechanical stirrer
The aqueous phase will be gradually introduced
to the lipid phase while being stirred. For around
15 minutes, the temperature of the newly
produced emulsion was maintained at 70°C in
order to complete saponification. After that, the
 Frances et al.; J. Appl. Chem. Sci. Int., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 18-27, 2023; Article no.JACSI.11548

emulsion will be allowed to gently cool while
being stirred until it reaches 35°C. The emulsion
will next be mixed with the scent that has
previously been partially dissolved in glycerol.
Until homogeneity is attained, the emulsion is
agitated.
To improve homogeneity, the emulsion will be
covered and left for 12 hours before being
combined once more quickly. A appropriate
plastic container with a screw cover will then be
used to pour the emulsion into for storage and
examination.
total acid value, percentage of free fatty acid,
saponification value, and mechanical testing
employing Sherman (2001)'s techniques.
2.6 Statistics Analysis
Using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS version 17.0), two-way analysis of
variance (ANOVA) was performed on the
analysis's output data. At p0.05, there was a
significant difference between the averages.
3. RESULTS

2.5.4 Quality control analysis
Stability tests and cosmetic control analysis were
performed on the three created emulsions as
well as the moisturising cream that was
purchased. These tests include those that
measure pH, conductivity, microscopic
inspection, cyclical temperature fluctuation tests,
The result of the physical and chemical
characterization of the coconut oil extracted is
given in Table 1. Based on the results of the
proximate composition of the coconut seeds as
shown in Table 1, moisture content ranges from
38.00 to 48.00%, ash (1.00 to 4.00%), fats (18.59
to 20.88%), protein (6.20 to 7.93%), fiber (3.00 to
10.00%) and carbohydrates (15.91 to 22.21%).

Table 1. Proximate composition of coconut seeds

Samples Moisture (%) Ash (%) Fat/oil (%) Fiber (%) Protein (%) Carbohydrate (%)
COCONUT 1 48.00 + 0.11 1.00+ 0.31 18.59+ 0.10 4.00+ 0.40 6.20+ 0.21 22.21+ 0.11
COCONUT 2 47.80+ 1.01 4.00+ 0.21 20.86+ 0.00 3.50+ 0.01 7.93+ 0.30 15.91+ 0.20
COCONUT 3 38.00+ 0.01 3.00+ 0.01 20.88+ 0.11 10.00+ 0.21 7.80+ 0.00 20.32+ 0.21

50

45

40

35

30

25
COCONUT 1
20
COCONUT 2
15 COCONUT 3
10

Fig. 1. Proximate compositions of coconut samples

23
 Frances et al.; J. Appl. Chem. Sci. Int., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 18-27, 2023; Article no.JACSI.11548

3.1 Physiochemical Properties of Coconut Saponification value of 208.61mgKOH/g,

Oil peroxide value of 33.20mgKOH/kg, iodine
value of 12.54gI/100g, and acid value of
The result of the physiochemical properties of the 4.207mgKOH
coconut seed oil extracted is given in Table 2.
The result obtained from the analysis showed Table 3. Chemical properties of coconut oil
that coconut seed has light golden oil with
percentage yield of 20.11% pH of 5.03, refractive Properties Coconut oil
index 0.81, specific gravity of 0.97. Acid value (mg NaOH/g of oil) 4.207
Saponification value 208.415
Table 2. Physical properties of coconut oil (mg KoH/g of oil)
Iodine value (g I2/100g of oil) 12.54
Properties Coconut oil
peroxide value of (mgKOH/kg) 33.20
Oil yield 20.11
Colour Golden
3.3 Quality Evaluation of Coconut Oil
Ph value 5.03
Refractive index 0.018 Cream with Caro White Body Lotion
Specific gravity 0.93
The physical and sensory evaluation of the body
3.2 Chemical Properties of Coconut Oil lotion produced where compared with
commercialyl available lotions in the market
The result of the chemical properties of the (Caro white) and table 4 below shows the result
coconut seed oil extracted is given in Table 3. obtained.

25
20.11
20

15

8.415
10
5.03
5 2.54
0.018 0.4207

COCONUT OIL

Fig. 2. Physiochemical properties of coconut oil

24
 Frances et al.; J. Appl. Chem. Sci. Int., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 18-27, 2023; Article no.JACSI.11548

Table 4. Evaluation data of Shea butter seed oil cream with carol white body lotion

Evaluation parameters Coconut oil cream Carol white lotion

colour creamy milky
Transperancy Translucent Translucent
Smoothness/ Roughness Smooth Smooth
Specific gravity 10.48 10.46
% Moisture Loss 95.73 95.82
pH 5.22 5.05
test on skin Highly moistening Highly moisturizing

100

90

80

70

60
coconut oil cream
50 Smooth
Carol white lotion
40 Smooth

30

20

10

0
Specific % Moisture pH
gravity

Fig. 3. Evaluation data of shea butter seed oil cream with carol white body lotion

4. DISCUSSION In contrast to the 180 mg/KOH reported by

The findings of this investigation demonstrated
that coconut oil's chemical characteristics fall
within the acceptable range for vegetable oils.
This shows that with refinement, it may be used
as vegetable oil. Because coconut oil has a high
acid content, it may be useful for producing paint
and is also edible (Anhwange et al., 2020). Oils
with lower acid values contain fewer fatty acids
and are thus less susceptible to the rancidity
phenomena (Roger et al., 2010).
Campbell-Falck et al. (2020), the actual
saponification value was determined to be
208.415 mg/KOH/g. By demonstrating that a
large amount of alkaline is required for its
neutralisation, it may be used to detect oil
adulteration and even be used to make soap.
The oil is classified as a drying oil due to its high
percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, which are
capable of undergoing radical chain
polymerization, according to the iodine number,
2.54 g I2/100g fat. So, compared to avocado

25
 Frances et al.; J. Appl. Chem. Sci. Int., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 18-27, 2023; Article no.JACSI.11548
seed oil, the oil will have a lower amount of
unsaturated fatty acids. However, because the
oil's iodine value was within the acceptable range
and less than 100 grammes of fat, it could be
categorized as non-drying oil (Grimwood et al.,
2015). The coconut oil cream was created
utilising a straightforward laboratory procedure
[13-15].
Additionally, the oil was classified as a non-
drying oil with an iodine number of 13.69g
I2/100g, suggesting a high content of
unsaturated fatty acids that can undergo radical
chain polymerization. So, compared to avocado
seed oil, the oil will have a lower amount of
unsaturated fatty acids. However, because the
oil's iodine value complies with the norm and has
less than 100 fat, it may be categorised as non-
drying oil (Cha et al., 2020). 13 mg/kg of
peroxide was obtained in the oil. The oil's
susceptibility to oxidative rancidity is determined
in part by the peroxide value. The value
discovered by the research fell short of what
Giammattei et al. (2019) reported. This
demonstrated that the oil will not be prone to
rancidity readily.
A coconut oil-based body cream is a topical
product with a low to heavy viscosity that is
meant to be applied to healthy skin. With clean
hands, a brush, a clean cloth, cotton wool, or
gauze, it can be applied to exposed skin. Many
creams, particularly body creams, are designed
to moisturise, soften, and smooth the skin rather
than to carry medications. These are very well-
liked among older and older people. When used
on the face, they are sometimes categorised as
cosmetics and may include perfumes.
The majority of body creams are oil-in-water
emulsions that are kept together by a chemical
like cetearyl alcohol, although water-in-oil lotions
can also be created. The aqueous and oily
phases, an emulgent to prevent the separation of
these two phases, and, if employed, the drug
ingredient or substances, are the essential
components of a skin care lotion, cream, or gel
emulsion (that is, combinations of oil and water).
Lotions frequently contain a wide range of
additional substances, including scents, glycerol,
petroleum jelly, colours, preservatives, proteins,
and stabilizing agents.
Our body creams are made with coconut oil,
which is well-known for its effectiveness as a
cooling agent and is particularly useful for
relieving sunburn, chapped skin, and dry skin.
26
With its inherent antibacterial characteristics,
coconut seed aids in skin cleansing and includes
natural compounds that moisturize and
rejuvenate skin cells. Produced coconut seed
cream has no artificial perfumes and is
environmentally friendly. This product is
especially designed for persons with extremely
dry skin, itchy skin brought on by skin allergies
and irritation, burn victims, psoriasis sufferers,
sunburn victims, and people with skin diseases
including eczema.
5. CONCLUSION
The outcome strongly implies that coconut oil
may be a contender in the cosmetic industry,
particularly for use as moisturisers in body cream
manufacture. Coconut is a medicinal plant that
has a wide range of medical, nutraceutical, and
other purposes. As a result, it is in high demand
worldwide. The South Eastern states as a whole,
including Awka and Onitsha, are the main
markets for coconut oil and its extracts. Among
the different therapeutic plants, coconut provides
a great economic possibility due to the rapidly
expanding demand for it on the global market. All
cosmetic items should contain this oil, and the
National Agency for Food and Drug
Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should
check to identify which businesses are still
manufacturing body cream with hydroquinone
and strongly urge them to switch to coconut seed
oil.
6. RECOMMENDATION
Due to the therapeutic effectiveness of body
lotion, this study has demonstrated that people
do not necessarily need to apply it only to
moisturise their skin. Therefore, it is advised that
coconut body cream be used in every home for
appropriate skincare.
Second, both the government and people should
promote the planting of this seed. Government
should establish rigorous routines to monitor the
oils and make sure that people are consuming
vegetable oils that are safe for their health. To
promote human health, people should be
encouraged to conduct study on this plant,
particularly on its antiseptic, antipyretic,
antihypertensive, antiepileptic, antifungal, and
antibacterial qualities.
COMPETING INTERESTS
Authors have declared that no competing
interests exist.
 Frances et al.; J. Appl. Chem. Sci. Int., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 18-27, 2023; Article no.JACSI.11548
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