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Derivatization Procedure and HPLC Determination of 2‐Ethoxyethanol in Cosmetic Samples
Author(s) -
Mariani E.,
Villa C.,
Neuhoff C.,
Dorato S.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
international journal of cosmetic science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1468-2494
pISSN - 0142-5463
DOI - 10.1046/j.1467-2494.1999.203164.x
Subject(s) - derivatization , chromatography , high performance liquid chromatography , chemistry
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether or 2‐ethoxyethanol finds a wide industrial application as a solvent for lacquers, inks, dyes, household products and as a surfactant. It is also found in cosmetics such as nail products, face cleansers, liquid soaps, oral care products, hair colours and fixatives. The potential hazard to human health of 2‐ethoxyethanol following inhalation and dermal exposure has been recently reviewed and the European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (COLIPA) has issued recommendations suggesting its non‐use as a cosmetic ingredient. Therefore a simple and fast monitoring method is necessary for routine control to identify and quantify 2‐ethoxyethanol in raw materials and finished cosmetics. We have developed a sensitive and selective method to determine 2‐ethoxyethanol in complex matrices by precolumn derivatization with 1‐naphthyl isocyanate and RP‐HPLC analysis. Four laboratory‐made cosmetic formulations (a nail lacquer remover, a baby oil, a skin lotion and an emollient O/W emulsion) containing three known amounts of 2‐ethoxyethanol (0.1%, 2.0%, 5.0%) have been studied. The obtained results show that this chromatographic procedure provides a good estimate of the true concentration of 2‐ethoxyethanol in complex matrices and it is reliable for routine analyses in quality control.