How to Test Cosmetics for Nitrosamines: ATNC Analysis Explained

When it comes to beauty and personal care, cosmetics are indispensable, yet concerns over the safety of these products have surged, particularly around the presence of nitrosamines and their potential health risks. The cosmetic industry faces the formidable challenge of verifying and managing nitrosamine levels. Traditional methods have often led to reliance on external labs, incurring significant costs and delays.

Addressing this concern, the Apparent Total Nitrosamine Content (ATNC) Analysis is a critical methodology, recgonised by the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009. This approach enables swift and efficient screening of samples for total apparent nitrosamine content down to parts per billion (ppb) levels, offering a unified measure regardless of the nitrosamines present.

With our extensive background in nitrosamine detection across multiple sectors, we understand the specific challenges faced by the cosmetic industry. Our solutions, featuring the 800 series Thermal Energy Analyser (TEA) detector, enhance in-house ATNC testing capabilities. The TEA detector's sensitivity and selectivity are achieved through a chemical reaction that separates the NO group from nitrosamines, ensuring accurate detection.

A recent study showcased how ATNC analysis with the ATNA system can detect N-Nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) in cosmetics. The system can create a calibration curve from 0 to 250 ng/mL of NDELA in water, highlighting its sensitivity. Analyzing standards between 0 and 10 ppb NDELA showed the system's reliable reproducibility and precision, crucial for thorough nitrosamine monitoring.

Sample preparation involved minimal steps, underscoring the ease of use—a vital feature for busy laboratories. The method's capability was further illustrated through the analysis of cosmetic samples, revealing nitrosamine levels within a range of 18.36 to 117.34 ng/g, showcasing the system’s adeptness in quantifying trace levels of nitrosamines with minimal interference.

Ellutia’s ATNC systems are designed for versatility, accommodating both manual and automated analysis to match specific sensitivity needs and sample throughput requirements. Adopting in-house ATNC analysis signifies a strategic move towards enhancing control over product safety, enabling rapid identification and rectification of potential issues, thereby upholding stringent quality standards.

If you're interested in how these methods might fit your needs or have questions about ensuring product safety and compliance. Reach out to us for a 30 minute free consultation.