Optimization of an analytical methodology for the simultaneous determination of different classes of ultraviolet filters in cosmetics by pressurized liquid extraction–gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

• Published in: Journal of Chromatography A 2015-07, Vol.1405, p.12-22
• Main Authors: Vila, Marlene, Lamas, J. Pablo, Garcia-Jares, Carmen, Dagnac, Thierry, Llompart, Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cosmetics; GC–MS/MS; Personal care products (PCPs); Pressurized liquid extraction; UV-filters
• ISSN: 0021-9673
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.05.061

•Simultaneous analysis of different classes of UV filters in personal care products.•First time that PLE GC–MS/MS is implemented for UV filters in cosmetics.•Micro-PLE enables to minimize the amounts of sample, solvent and sorbent required.•The use of a matrix matched approach (using cosmetic oil) avoided matrix effects.•The method was successfully applied to a broad range of cosmetic formulations. A methodology based on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) followed by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) has been developed for the simultaneous analysis of different classes of UV filters including methoxycinnamates, benzophenones, salicylates, p-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, and others in cosmetic products. The extractions were carried out in 1mL extraction cells and the amount of sample extracted was only 100mg. The experimental conditions, including the acetylation of the PLE extracts to improve GC performance, were optimized by means of experimental design tools. The two main factors affecting the PLE procedure such as solvent type and extraction temperature were assessed. The use of a matrix matched approach consisting of the addition of 10μL of diluted commercial cosmetic oil avoided matrix effects. Good linearity (R2>0.9970), quantitative recoveries (>80% for most of compounds, excluding three banned benzophenones) and satisfactory precision (RSD