Fatty Acid Profiling and Antioxidant Potential of Two-Spotted Cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) Oil as a Sustainable Multifunctional Cosmetic Emollient

Purpose: Recent research has recognized edible insects as sustainable, high-performance bioresources for advanced functional cosmetic applications. The present study aimed to analyze the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) oil (GBO) to support resource-circulating economic practices and evaluate its potential as a sustainable, eco-friendly cosmetic emollient. Methods: The crickets were starved, washed, dried, and then their oil was extracted with a screw press at 120°C under atmospheric pressure. The fatty acid composition of GBO was analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by examining the inhibitory effect on NO production and proinflammatory cytokine levels in RAW 264.7 cells at various concentrations of GBO. Results: The extracted GBO showed a yield of 9.7% and a rich profile of unsaturated fatty acids. The six major fatty acids identified in GBO were oleic (30.8%), palmitic (27.7%), linoleic (26.8%), stearic (8.7%), palmitoleic (2.1%), and myristic (1.02%) acids. GBO attenuated NO production and proinflammatory cytokine levels in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibited high TPCs and robust DPPH scavenging. Conclusion: As a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient that provides antioxidant efficacy, formulation-stabilizing benefits, and physiological protection, GBO represents a promising bioresource for advanced cosmeceutical applications.