A rapid and selective method for determining potential nitrosating agents in cosmetic products by chemiluminescence detection of nitric oxide.

A method was developed for rapid and selective determination of potential nitrosating agents at the part-per-billion level in cosmetic products. These compounds are chemically reduced to nitric oxide, which is determined by its chemiluminescent reaction with ozone. Suspended materials and colors in cosmetic products do not interfere. Hence their removal before analysis is not required. A detection limit of 33 ppb, calculated as nitrite, was obtained. No false-positive interferences were observed from antifoaming agents, several N-nitroso compounds, and nitrate up to 20 ppm. Among cosmetic products surveyed, potential nitrosating agents were found at levels ranging from 113 to 5021 ppb. No consistent relationship was found between levels of potential nitrosating agents and N-nitrosamines in the same products. However, the highest levels of nitrosating agents were most often associated with the highest levels of N-nitrosamines known to be present in the products.