Determination of PAHs in Cosmetic Products: Safety and Legal Compliance

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Quantification

What Are PAHs and How Are They Found in Cosmetics?

PAHs are aromatic compounds composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), cause environmental challenges and health hazards due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity and long-range transport. As pure chemicals, PAHs are usually found as colorless, white or pale yellow-green solids. They have carcinogenic, mutagenic neurodegenerative disorder and teratogenic properties that make their presence in consumer care products an environmental health concern. Although there are more than 100 different PAH compounds, many of them are evaluated for health risks.

Sources of PAHs in Cosmetic Products:

1. Mineral Oils: Mineral oils with low purity levels may contain PAHs.
2. Pigments and Carbon Black: Coloring agents may contain PAHs from manufacturing.
3. Contamination: Unwanted impurities formed during the processing of raw materials.

Health Effects of PAHs

Some types of PAHs, particularly benzo[a]pyrene, are classified as carcinogens. They have also been associated with adverse effects such as skin sensitization, allergic reactions and environmental toxicity.

Risk Factors:

• Prolonged exposure.
• Direct contact of products with the skin (e.g. lipstick, foundation or skin creams).

Trace amounts of PAHs can occur in drinking water, cosmetics, food additives and factory emissions. It is therefore important to monitor their concentrations in the environment or in products. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be absorbed by the human system, redistributed between organs, metabolized, stored or excreted in the human body, negatively affect the respiratory, reproductive and neurological systems after entering the body, or cause birth defects and cancer.

Legal Regulations on PAHs in Cosmetic Products

• European Union Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009): The use of certain PAH species in cosmetic products is not permitted. Mineral oils can only be used if they have undergone high refining processes.
• FDA Regulations (USA): Emphasizes that cosmetic products must be free of toxic compounds.
• DIN ISO 21042 and Similar Standards: Provides guidelines for the analysis of PAHs in cosmetics and other products.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of PAH Determination in Cosmetic Products. We also provide services in Detergent Analysis.

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