Development of a multi-preservative method based on solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for cosmetic analysis

A simple methodology based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) has been developed for the simultaneous analysis of different classes of preservatives including benzoates, bronidox, 2-phenoxyethanol, parabens, BHA, BHT and triclosan in cosmetic products. In situ acetylation and subsequent organic modifier addition have been successfully implemented in the SPME process as an effective extractive strategy for matrix effect compensation and chromatographic performance improvement. Main factors affecting SPME procedure such as fiber coating, sampling mode, extraction temperature and salt addition (NaCl) were evaluated by means of a 3 × 23-1 factorial experimental design. The optimal experimental conditions were established as follows: direct solid-phase microextraction (SPME) at 40 °C and addition of NaCl (20%, w/v), using a DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber coating. Due to the complexity of the studied matrices, method performance was evaluated in a representative variety of both rinse-off and leave-on samples, demonstrating to have a broad linear range (R2 > 0.9964). In general, quantitative recoveries (>85% in most cases) and satisfactory precision (RSD < 13% for most of compounds) were obtained, with limits of detection (LODs) well below the maximum authorized concentrations established by the European legislation. One of the most important achievements of this work was the use of external calibration with cosmetic-matched standards to accurately quantify the target analytes. The validated methodology was successfully applied to the analysis of different types of cosmetic formulations including body milks, moisturizing creams, deodorants, sunscreen, bath gel, dental cream and make-up products amongst others, demonstrating to be a reliable multi-preservative methododology for routine control.