Cosmetics
Techniques > HPTLC and TLC > Cosmetics
HPTLC has been shown to be particularly useful in the analysis and development of cosmetic products. With the capability of running several samples at one time and the ability to deal with complex matrices with minimal sample preparation, HPTLC is perfect for rapid screening of new ingredients as well as dealing with difficult matrices that are often involved with cosmetic products such as creams, soaps and heavy pigments.
The featured application note for the detection of UV filters in cosmetic products by HPTLC demonstrates how quickly and easily heavy cream-based sample matrices can be prepared for application to a HPTLC plate. The sun cream is simply mixed with solvent and then filtered or centrifuged before being applied to the HPTLC plate. No extensive sample clean-up is required, as would usually be the case with other analytical techniques. Multiple samples can then be applied to the same HPTLC plate and developed simultaneously. Whether this is for product development or quality control this technique will provide a fast sample turnaround time. HPTLC images obtained using the CAMAG Visualiser will provide qualitative data for the detection and identification of substances, these substances can also be quantified using image densitometry. To obtain further structural information for any substances of interest, individual bands can then be eluted directly from the HPTLC plate with the TLC-MS Interface and then analysed using mass spectrometry.
For the cosmetics industry investigation of new and innovative products is a priority. CAMAG have developed a HPTLC method for the detection and quantification of skin lipids. This method is simple and rapid which makes it an ideal approach for screening the effect of active ingredients on the skin by comparing surface lipid concentrations before and after application. The surface of the skin is swabbed with ethanol, this swab is extracted and the residue is applied to the HPTLC plate.
Visit the CAMAG website for an extensive list of HPTLC application notes!
