DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Extraction of oil from watermelon seeds(Citrullus lanatus) and application is skin care product

Ryan Kabiru Wandia

S080-01-1875/2020

A RESEACH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY IN

PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD BACHELOR

OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY AT DEDAN KIMATHI

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY.

JANUARY 2022
DECLARATION

I, Ryan Kabiru Wandia, hereby declare that this proposal is my original work and that it has

not been submitted before, for any academic award for either any academic award for either

any academic award either in this or other institutions of higher learning for academic

publication or any other purpose.

Signature…………………. Date…....

SUPERVISOR

I confirm that the candidate, under my supervision, has developed this proposal.

Signature….... Date …………………………

Dr. Paul Tanui

DEDICATION

I dedicate this research proposal to my family, friends, lecturers and the entire school for their

support in ensuring that I had an easy process while carrying out this research.
ABSTRACT

The aim of this project proposal is to extract oil from watermelon seeds and utilize it in the
formulation of a skin care product. Watermelon peels will be exploited in the extraction
process to obtain a peel wax which will be used as an ingredient in the skin care. Watermelon
seeds are often discarded as waste, despite their potential as a valuable source of oil due to
their high content of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Research has shown that
watermelon peels have high antioxidants properties and antimicrobial properties, thus their
possibility in cosmetic application. The project will begin by sample collection of the
watermelon from the local market. Then the preparation of the watermelon seeds that will be
collected wet by sun drying. The seeds will then be ground into flour ready for extraction.
The peels will be washed and dried. Then ground into fine powder flour. This will be
followed by extraction using the Soxhlet extraction method. Once the oil and the peel wax
has been obtained and filtered to remove residues, they will be incorporated into the
formulation of a skin care product(cream). Majorly, this project aims to explore the untapped
potential of watermelon seeds as a source for use in skin care products. Utilizing the
watermelon seeds and peels that are often discarded as waste, we can develop effective skin
care solutions while also reducing the environmental impact.
LIST OF ACRONYMS (arrange in alphabetical order)
TABLE OF CONTENT

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List of Tables

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List of Figures

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CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Watermelon’s official name is Citrullus Lanatus of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae. It is cousins to
cucumbers, pumpkins and squash. Over 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown across 96 countries
worldwide. Watermelon (family Cucurbitaceae and species Citrullus lanatus) is a major fruit widely
distributed in the tropics and sub tropic regions. It is one of the most important vegetable crops with
large, round, oval or oblong fruit shape, the skin is smooth, with dark green rind or sometimes pale
green stripes that turn yellowish green when ripe with very rich source of vitamins.
Watermelons, Citrullus species (Cucurbitaceae), are native to Africa. They have been cultivated since
ancient times. The fruit flesh of wild watermelons is watery, but typically hard-textured, pale-
coloured and bland or bitter (Paris, (2015). For most fruits, only the fleshy pulps of these fruits are
consumed leaving behind the seeds and the peels. This result to great number of agricultural wastes
generated and discarded. Getting rid of these seeds and peels can have serious environmental impact
that has been very difficult to solve. Therefore, there is the need for intensified research in the
development of the possible nutritional and industrial potential of fruit wastes (Gin, 2014).
Watermelon is one major underutilized fruit usually grown in the warmer part of the world. The juice
or pulp from watermelon has always been used for human consumption while rind and seeds are the
major solid waste. The rind is utilized for products such as pickles and preservatives as well as
extraction of pectin whereas seeds are potential source of protein. (Campbell, 2019). Watermelon
seed oil is reported to be a good source of essential fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, thiamine,
flavonoid, riboflavin, and other phenolic substances, quantities of which vary depending on
watermelon variety and extraction method. Linoleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid found in
watermelon seed oil irrespective of variety. In addition, various bioactivities of the watermelon seed
oil have been reported including: antioxidant-, anti-inflammatory-, cardio-protective- and
antimicrobial activities. Therefore, watermelon seed oil could be a good alternative source of plant-
derived oil for consumption and cosmetical applications (Petchsomrit, 2020). The demand for
vegetable oil has kept on increasing at a rapid rate due to increasing population. Vegetable oils are
important components for both food (for feeding, margarine and canned food industry, bakery,
confectionery) and non-food industry (production of detergents, paints, special varnishes, fatty acids,
pharmaceuticals and cosmetics products, and painting.
Production and utilization of biodiesel from vegetable oil has increased and is affecting the
sustainability of the existing agricultural oil. Vegetables are paramount raw materials for most of our
cosmetics, paints and pharmaceutical industries. The desire to minimize use of fossil fuels has led to
the use of seed oil as an alternative source of energy. Research has shown that over-depending of
some seed oil like palm seed oil, peanut oil, soybean seed oil, melon seed oil had rapidly increased the
pressure on the vegetable oil (Oragwu, 2020). There is need to explore non or underutilized oil seed
plant in Kenya. People eat the juicy part of the fruit, while the seeds and rinds are discarded to
constitute the municipal solid waste. Reports showed that watermelon seed oil is highly salubrious,
easily absorbing and can be good for dry and damaged skin. It is suspected to be high in antioxidant,
such as lycopene and good to prevent premature aging, because it can act as a humectant or
moisturizer to the skin (Oragwu, 2020). Vitamin A helps keep skin and hair moisturized and it also
encourages healthy growth of new collagen and elastin cells. Vitamin C is also beneficial in this
regard, as it promotes healthy collagen growth (Traber, 2011). Watermelon seed oil has worked
wonders for all skin types, as it is light, fast-absorbing, and clarifying for those with oily skin. But it's
also nourishing and effective for dry skin, as it protects and moisturizes with antioxidants, minerals,
and unsaturated fatty acids. It is suspected to be high in antioxidants, such as lycopene and good to
prevent premature aging, because it can act as a humectant or moisturizer to the skin. Studies also
show that the oil can act as an antiseptic, antitumor, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, moisturizer,
febrifuge, hypotensive, purgative, and anthelmintic oil. (Oragwu, 2020).

Fruit peels and seeds did present higher antioxidant capacity than their respective pulps (Rolim,
2018). Watermelon peel has the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as compared to the
seeds, pulp and rind. (Neglo, 2021). This research has made it interesting as an ingredient for
cosmetical applications.

1.2 OBJECTIVES

1.2.1 MAIN OBJECTIVE

To extract oil from watermelon seeds and use it as an ingredient in the formulation of a skin

care products
1.2.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Sample collection and preparation

To extract oil from the watermelon seed oil.
Formulation of the skin care product

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

To extract oil from the underutilized watermelon seeds that most people discard during consumption
of the fruit while in the market and later collected as municipal solid waste. To help reduce the
pressure on the rapid consumption of the vegetable oil which is seriously affecting the supply of the
existing agricultural oil. (Oragwu, 2020). To add economic value to the underutilized watermelon
seeds which are potential source of income when the oil is extracted.

1.4 JUSTIFICATION

Previously, cultivation of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) has increased overtime but watermelon is

known to have invaluable benefits. The rind and seeds are often discarded as solid waste (Elsayed,

2022). The waste generates a lot of problems for their treatment and disposal leasing to pollution with

a loss of biomass and valuable nutrients applicable in the cosmetic industry. Research has been

carried out for the conversion of the waste into useful products that will have a huge environmental

impact. Research has reported the positive effect of watermelon seed oil over skin (Athar, 2020). The

fatty acid profiles, predominantly linoleic acid) and antioxidant content of watermelon seed oil and

peels have been evaluated (Petchsomrit, 2020). The oil is light, consists of humectants and

moisturizing properties. It is easily absorbed by skin and has helped in restoring the elasticity of skin.

It is also ideal for calming skin inflammation as well. Due to these attributes this oil could be used in

cosmetic industry for production of skin care products (Athar, 2020). Research has however shown
otherwise since there are valuable benefits from it. Watermelon seeds have nutritional value. They are

a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc and also contain B vitamins, essential

fatty acids, and amino acids. Watermelon is rich in essential fatty acids, predominantly linoleic acid

which helps improve the skin health and inflammation thus it's application in cosmetics. Extracting

this oil will help create economic opportunities to the society (de Conto, 2011) (de Conto,

Characterization of crude watermelon seed oil by two different extractions methods., 2011). The

project proposed will help reduce waste since the seeds will not be discarded and promote

sustainability.Demand for skin care products has increased. However, some of these products have a

negative effect to the users and the environment based on the ingredients used in the formulations

(Günal, 2019) Watermelon seed oil is eco-friendly natural product with no effect to the user skin due

to its anti-inflammatory properties. Watermelon seeds oil will be extracted using a suitable extraction

method that is cost effective and then used as an ingredient in the preparation of cream.

1.5 HYPOTHESIS

Reports have been showing that watermelon seed oil is highly salubrious, easily absorbing, and can be

good for dry and damaged skin. It is suspected to be high in antioxidants due to presence of fatty acid,

such as lycopene and good to prevent premature aging, because, it can act as a humectants or

moisturizer to the skin (Oragwu, 2020. It is observed that the solvent extraction method would recover

almost all the oil from the seeds thus it's found to be the most effective method for oil extraction.
The research of extracting oil from watermelon seeds by aqueous enzymatic extraction method above

the optimum condition is 97.92% (w/w) oil. Extraction of oil from watermelon seeds using hexane as

solvent can be 50%(w/w) oil. The oil content of seeds using supercritical extraction using carbon

dioxide can be 50wt% bt depends on other factors. This shows that amount of oil extracted depends

on the extraction method employed. Solvent extraction method is mostly preferred because of shorter

extraction with a high percentage of oil recovery, simplicity of the extraction process and it cost

effectiveness. However, the limitations are the lower quality of oil produced than pressed oil and the

chemical solvent used is harmful to humans.

CHAPTER TWO

2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1.1 Background

Oils extracted from plant sources have a rich history of use by local people as a source of food,

energy, medicine and for cosmetic applications. The continued increase in human population has

resulted in the rise in the demand as well as the price of edible oils, leading to the search for

alternative unconventional sources of oils, particularly in the developing countries. There are

hundreds of underexplored plant seeds rich in oil suitable for edible or industrial purposes [1]. One of

such underutilized products is watermelon seed oil, rich in linoleic acid.

Various researches report the positive effect of watermelon seed oil over skin. The oil is light, consists

of humectants and moisturizing properties. It is easily absorbed by skin and helps in restoring the

elasticity of skin. Due to these attributes this oil can be used in cosmetic industry for production of

skin care products. The watermelon seed oil can also be used as an anti-inflammatory agent [4]

.
2.1.2 EXTRACTION METHOD

Organic solvent extraction is the most common method used for extracting oil. The use of

conventional extraction for date seed oil with different solvents (petroleum ether, Acetone, hexane,

chloroform, methanol etc) using the maceration and Soxhlet methods. These solvents have

characteristics such as easy removal by evaporation from the extracts, high solvent–solute ratio, oil

viscosity, and polarity. The choice of the solvent type depends on its capacity to drive the extraction

process and ensure maximum yield. In the organic solvent method the date seed is cleaned, dried, and

ground to rupture the oily cells, making the oil available to the solvent. The extraction yield is related

to the degree of accessibility of the solvents to the oil-containing cells. Soxhlet extraction is the most

common technique for oil seed extraction. During solvent extraction diffusion is the main mechanism.

The seed and solvent come into contact with the solvent diffuses through the seed mass and extracts

the available oil from broken oily cells. The oil is then separated from the solvents using a rotavapor.

Hexane as the extraction solvent due to its availability great oil extractability (98%) and easy

operation. Higher oil extraction yield is obtained by Soxhlet extraction.

2.1.3 APPLICATION IN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

The physico-chemical and proximate properties of watermelon seed oil had been considered for its
exotic and therapeutic addition to cosmetic applications, personal care formulations, soaps, skin, and
hair care. The sample oil is used as a moisturizer in body lotion and as plasticiser in toilet soap
formulations.
As watermelon seed oil is rich in vitamin E and has good humectant and moisturizing properties so it
can be used as anti-inflammatory agent for skin care products. The oil can be used for modifying the
properties of skin care products and used as modification oil.
2.2 INSTRUMENTATION AND WORKING PRINCIPLE

Soxhlet extraction
The purpose for this apparatus is to extract a lipid from a solid material. It is a procedure for
extracting nonvolatile and semi-volatile organic compounds from solids. The Soxhlet extraction
ensures intimate contact of the sample matrix with the extraction solvent.
Component of Soxhlet extraction
1. Stirrer
2. Round bottom flask
3. Percolator: circulates the solvent
4. Siphon: periodically empties the thimble
5. Thimble- sample is placed
6. Solid
7. Expansion adapter
8. Condenser- condenses a gaseous substance into a liquid state through cooling
Working principle
First, the sample material is packed in a filter paper which is then placed in the thimble and is placed
in a distillation flask containing the solvent of particular interest.Next, vapors of a fresh solvent,
produced in a distillation flask, pass through the thimble containing the material to be extracted and
are liquefied in the condenser. When the liquid reached the overflow level in the thimble, a siphon
aspirates the solution, and the liquid fall back into the bulk liquid. The separation of solute from
solvent takes place in the distillation flask. Then solute is left in the flask and fresh solvent vapors
pass back into the solid bed of sample material. The process is repeated until complete extraction is
achieved (Boer, 2005).
Advantages
It recycles the solvent
It is autonomous
It is scalable
CHAPTER THREE

3.1 MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY

3.1.1 REAGENTS AND OTHER CONSUMABLES

Materials

5 batches of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) were purchased from a nyeri market during. The process of
selecting the watermelon seed was done randomly. Organic solvent used was hexane. Reagents for skin
care formulation are stearic acid, triethanolamine, fragrance, watermelon seed oil.

3.1.2 EQUIPMENTS AND APPARATUS

Separating funnel

Extracting flask

Filter paper

Condenser

Heating mantle

Rotary evaporator

Glassware (beakers, flask, pipette)

Safety equipment (gloves, goggles)

3.1.3 PROCEDURES

I. Material collection and preparation

5 batches of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) will be purchased from Nyeri market. Watermelons were cut
by a sharp knife and the seeds were hand-collected and washed with tap water, then sun-dried at 30 C for
a week. The seeds were then shelled by cracking them with a small iron rod and manually peeled to
remove the kernels.

II. Procedure for attaining objective one

Collected watermelon samples from two Nyeri local markets. The samples were collected randomly. The
samples will then be washed using tap water, cut using a sharp knife into two and the seeds removed from
the fruit. The seeds will then be cleaned with tap water and then sun dried around the school compound.
The seeds will then be grounded to obtain the powder.

III. Procedure for attaining objective two

10g of the flour samples (watermelon seeds and peel) was extracted with hexane as a solvent under
different combination of parameters. The solution was continuously stirred with a magnetic stirrer for
selected periods in a water bath at the desired temperature. After cooling, the solution was centrifuged in
a cooling centrifuge at 10,000 rpm for 20 min at 4 C. Then, the solvent was removed with a rotary
evaporator and the remaining oil was weighed.

IV. Procedure for attaining objective one

Formulation of Skin- Care Product (Body Cream)

The materials and reagents used for this formulation were mixed in their standard proportion. Mixing
Process: This was done in oil and water phases and later mix together to form a homogeneous solution. In
Oil Phase: The stearic acid, emywax white, watermelon seed oil was added in an oil phase pot. They were
heated at a mild temperature of 60, until all melted into a liquid form.
In Water Phase: 250 ml of distilled water was heated to boil in a water phase pot. Sorbitol was added
while heating and stirring continued. The oil phase and water phase were later mixed together while
stirring to achieve a smooth homogeneous mixture. Triethanolamine, micro care, Vitamin E and fragrance
were added lastly. There was continuous stirring, until a desirable viscos mixture was achieved. The
formulated mixture was tested, compared to the commercial grade and stored in an air tight container.
V. Analysis of data

BUDGET

Item Quantity Cost per unit Total cost (KES)

(KES)

GRAND TOTAL
TIME FRAME

Activity Jan Dec Jan Feb Mar - May - July

2022 2022 2022 2022 Apr June 2022
2022 2022
Concept note writing
Concept submission
Proposal writing
Proposal defense
Laboratory work/experiments
Final report writing
Project defense
REFERENCES

References

Athar, S. G. (2020). Watermelon Seed Oil: Its Extraction, Analytical studies, Modification and Utilization
in Cosmetic Industries‟.

Boer, J. d. (2005). Theory of Extraction Techniques.

Campbell, J. W.-S. (2019). . Contribution of bees and other pollinators to watermelon (Citrullus lanatus
Thunb.) pollination.

de Conto, L. C. (2011). Characterization of crude watermelon seed oil by two different extractions
methods. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 88.

de Conto, L. C. (2011). Characterization of crude watermelon seed oil by two different extractions
methods.

Elsayed, D. A. (2022). Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Wastes: Maximizing the Benefits and Saving the
Environment.

Gin, W. A. ((2014)). Production of activated carbon from watermelon peel.

Günal, T. (2019). A Review on Cosmetic Sector.

Neglo, D. T. (2021). Comparative antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the peels, rind, pulp and
seeds of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruit. .

Oragwu. (2020). Solvent-extracted watermelon seed oil (Citrulus vulgaris) and application in skin-care
products.

Paris. ((2015)). Origin and emergence of the sweet dessert watermelon, Citrullus lanatus. Annals of
botany,.

Petchsomrit, A. M. (2020). Watermelon seeds and peels: fatty acid composition and cosmeceutical
potential. . Rolim, P. M. (2018). Phenolic profile and antioxidant activity from peels and seeds of
melon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus) and their antiproliferative effect in cancer cells.

Traber, M. G. (2011). Vitamins C and E: beneficial effects from a mechanistic perspective.