Determination of 2-ethylhexyl 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino) benzoate in commercial sunscreens and cosmetic products.

An analytical method has been developed for determination of 2-ethylhexyl 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino) benzoate (NMPABAO), a nitrosamine contaminant in sunscreen products containing 2-ethylhexyl 4-(N,N-dimethylamino) benzoate (Padimate O). The method involves extraction of NMPABAO by column chromatography followed by liquid chromatographic separation and analysis wit a nitric oxide detector. To confirm the presence of NMPABAO in sunscreen products, the N-nitrosamine was synthesized and its structure was determined by infrared spectrophotometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and mass spectrometry (MS). For method validation, recovery studies were performed on a commercial suntan lotion, cream, and gel. Recoveries of NMPABAO added to representative test samples averaged 83%. The method has an estimated detection limit of 30 ppb. The method was used to analyze 25 commercial cosmetic and sunscreen products containing Padimate O. Eleven products contained NMPABAO at levels ranging from 160 to 21000 ppb. NMPABAO presence in 4 products was confirmed by MS at levels > or = 4000 ppb. The highest levels of NMPABAO were associated with products that contained the nitrite-releasing preservative 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol.