CEN/TC 392/WG 1 - Analytical methods

This document specifies a method for determination of mercury in cosmetics by means of cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) with a prior pressure digestion.

This document provides a method for quantification of trace levels of heavy metals in cosmetic products.
This document refers only to chromium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic, cadmium, antimony and lead. The methodology can apply to other elements, however, it is the responsibility of the analyst to demonstrate that it fits that purpose.

This document specifies an analytical method, based on liquid-chromatography (LC) with ultraviolet/visible spectrometry (UV/Vis) detection for the detection and quantitative determination of 22 organic UV filters in use in the EU framework. This method has been validated for emulsion-based cosmetic products, lip-balms, lotions and waters.

This European Standard specifies a HPLC/UV method for the identification and quantification of hydroquinone, 3 ethers of hydroquinone and 4 corticosteroids most frequently found in illegally sold skin whitening cosmetic products: clobetasol propionate, betamethasone dipropionate, fluocinonide and fluocinolone acetonide.
This standard also gives HPLC/UV methods for the identification of 38 corticosteroids that may be found in skin whitening cosmetic products (see Annex D).
This standard is not dedicated to artificial nail products or soaps.

This European Standard describes a GC/MS method for the assay of 12 phthalates, amongst which the 8 phthalates regulated by the European cosmetic regulation 1223/2009 [16]. This method is given for the analysis of samples ready for analytical injection from cosmetic products or raw materials used in cosmetic products. Samples should be compatible with GC analysis possibly after dilution. This method does not include requirements for the preparation of samples in cosmetic matrices for which direct injection in GC is not feasible.

This European Standard specifies a multi-screening method using reversed-phase HPLC for the detection of UV-filters listed in the cosmetic regulations. The method is applicable for the quantitative determination of 10 UV-filters, which are mainly used in emulsion-based cosmetic products and sunscreen sprays particularly with regard to the maximum concentration listed in the cosmetic regulation.
Other analytical methods for the qualification and quantification of UV-filters may be used if they lead to comparable results.

This European Standard specifies a method for the quantitative determination of 3 iodo 2 propynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) in the concentration range from 0,005 g/100 g to 0,1 g/100 g - Annex V No. 56 in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.

This European Standard specifies an analytical method for the detection and quantitative determination of the following anti-dandruff agents: zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine and climbazole in surfactant-containing cosmetic products in the concentration range from 0,1 g/100 g to 1,0 g/100 g.
NOTE   The method is also suitable for the determination of ketoconazole and ciclopirox olamine (q.v. Annex A) in surfactant-containing cosmetic products and it is probably applicable for the determination of the substances in non surfactant-containing cosmetic products. For these purposes, the method has not been validated.