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Ensuring Cosmetic Safety with GC-MS Solvent Residue Testing at QUATEST 3
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Solvents in cosmetics play various functional roles of disinfecting, cleaning the skin, tightening pores, enhancing the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients, etc. However, according to regulatory bodies overseeing cosmetics and pharmaceuticals within ASEAN and globally, excessive use of organic solvents within the cosmetic production process can cause some acute and chronic reactions, adversely posing serious risks to consumer health. Therefore, testing residual content of solvents in cosmetic products is essential.

The Role of solvents in Cosmetics
Solvents are crucial ingredients dissolving active components in cosmetics without altering their chemical properties, contributing an optimal texture to the products. In addition, they serve as carriers, aiding in the even dispersion of active substances throughout the formulas, thus preventing clumping and ensuring smooth application on the skin or hair.
Solvents, moreover, play a role in limiting bacterial contamination whilst help maintain product stability by preventing ingredients separation, promoting nutrient absorption without the need for synthetic preservatives.
Solvents used in cosmetics also have the effect of disinfecting, cleansing to keep the skin dry and fresh, tightening pores and enhancing its ability to absorb nutrients. Common solvents being used in today’s cosmetic industry including ethanol, which frequently found in production process of perfumes, hand sanitizers, cleansing gel, feminine hygiene liquid, moisturizers, shaving foams, etc; ethyl acetate or acetone being used for nail polish and nail polish remover manufacturing process.
 
Cosmetics contain residual solvents
 
The Harmful Effects from Excessive Use of Organic Solvents
Regulatory authorities in the ASEAN region and across the globe have issued numerous warning regarding the overuse of organic solvents in cosmetic manufacturing. Such misuse can lead to both acute and chronic health problems, posing significant risks to consumers.
Benzene, one of the most hazardous solvents found in products and cosmetics, has been classified as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WTO). In addition, compounds containing benzene may also be harmful to health, especially when exposed for a long time or through wounds or damaged skin. This component can easily enter human body through lungs, skin and might even lead to fatal poisoning in cases of significant exposure. When consumers inhale toluene, just a small amount of about 1/1000, may result in loss of balance and headaches while high concentrations can cause hallucinations, dizziness and even fainting.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has issued warnings that diethyl ether, chloroform and some other solvents derived from gasoline or adhesives may cause neurotoxicity or lead to cancer. The ASEAN Cosmetics Association, the European Union (EU) and the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have all prohibited the use of compound 1,4-dioxane in cosmetics, citing evidence that, at extremely high doses, it can damage various human organs and is potentially carcinogenic.
Moreover, the frequent use of solvents in cosmetics has been associated with several chronic health conditions. These include skin irritation around the mouth and nose (huffer’s eczema), carbon tetra chloride can cause liver and kidney failure syndrome, toluene can cause white matter degeneration (CNS), renal tubular acidosis and hypoglycemia. In more severe cases, excessive exposure may result in brain damage, peripheral nerves, liver, kidneys and bone marrow. Certain alcohols found in cosmetics may also increase the secretion of oil on the user’s skin, form acne and dilate pores.
Given these harmful effects, the active solvents used in cosmetics production have been listed under controlled substances in the ASEAN Cosmetic Management (as outlined in Appendix III – detailing prohibited or restricted substances in cosmetic products).
The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have set maximum allowable concentrations for benzene in cosmetic products at 2 mg/kg. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends 1,4-dioxane levels should not surpass 1.0mg/kg.
In Vietnam, the Ministry of Health issued Circular No.06/2011/TT-BYT on cosmetic management regulation and Drug Administration of Vietnam implemented Official Dispatch No. 6777/QLD-NP outlining prohibited ingredients catalogue (Annex II – Circular 06), and substances with restricted concentrations (Annex III – Circular 06) in cosmetics.

Which organizations conduct solvent residue testing in cosmetics?
To ensure the safety and quality of the cosmetic products, businesses are advised to collaborate with authorized testing institutions designated by relevant government ministries, branches and state management agencies to perform chemical analyses.
The chemical testing laboratory of QUATEST 3 is one such reputable institution with a long-standing history and a strong track record in chemical testing for cosmetics and food additives. The laboratory is fully accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 under the code of VILAS 004 by Bureau of Accreditation (BoA).
  
Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) System for Solvent residue analysis in Cosmetics at QUATEST 3

In an effort to better meet the evolving needs of its clients, experts at QUATEST 3 have conducted comprehensive surveys, research and optimized the solvent residue analysis process in cosmetics using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). This method offers high selectivity and good resolution, is suitable for the simultaneous identification of 25 solvents compound found in various products as shampoos, body washes, personal hygiene solutions, makeup removers and whitening creams.
The detection and quantification limit are designed to comply with the maximum residue level (MRL) of each solvent compound prescribed by management organizations in the region and around the world. In developing the testing procedures, QUATEST 3 experts have referenced and applied the limitations of ASEAN Cosmetics Association, NMPA and FDA, as detailed in the table below:
No. Ingredients CAS
1 Methanol 67-56-1
2 Ethanol 64-17-5
3 1- propanol 71-23-8
4 2 - propanol 67-63-0
5 1- Butanol 71-36-3
6 2- Butanol 78-92-2
7 1,4-Dioxane 123-91-1
8 Methylethyl ketone 78-93-3
9 MIBK 108-10-1
10 Acetone 67-64-1
11 n-Hexane 110-54-3
12 Butyl acetate 123-86-4
13 Ethyl acetate 141-78-6
14 2-Propylacetate 108-65-6
15 Benzene 71-43-2
16 Toluene 108-88-3
17 o-xylene 95-47-6
18 m-xylene 108-38-3
19 p-xylene 106-42-3
20 Styrene 100-42-5
21 Ethylbenzene 100-41-4
22 Carbon tetrachloride 56-23-5
23 1,2-Dichloroethane 107-06-2
24 1,1-Dichloroethene 75-35-4
25 1,1,1-trichloroethane 71-55-6
 
For who require quickly analyze the solvent residue content in cosmetic samples or for technical consultation, kindly contact Chemical Testing Laboratory – QUATEST 3, Tel: +84 251 3 836 212, EXT: 3250; Email: ho@quatest3.com.vn. The laboratory is capable of completing testing and delivering results within three (03) business days.
 
For general inquiries regarding cosmetics testing services including solvent residue analysis, please contact Customer Service Dept:
Address: No. 7, Road No.1, Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park, An Binh Ward, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai – Map
Tel: 0251 3 836 212 – 3100; email: dh.bh@quatest3.com.vn
Chemical Testing Laboratory
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