Validation of HPLC analysis of 2-phenoxyethanol, 1-phenoxypropan-2-ol, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and benzyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (parabens) in cosmetic products, with emphasis on decision limit and detection capability

The Commission Decision of August 12, 2002 on the performance of analytical methods and the interpretation of results was applied to the HPLC method for the analysis of parabens, 2-phenoxyethanol and 1-phenoxypropan-2-ol in cosmetic products. This method is published in the seventh Directive 96/45/EC of the European Commission. Non-compliant concentrations, taking into account the data distribution (CCalpha) and the probability of false negative values (CCbeta) were determined. The repeatability and reproducibility amount to <4% and <7%, respectively. These values were obtained with blanc samples that were fortified in the laboratory. Calibration linearity was confirmed by absence of lack of fit for all seven preservatives. Matrix effects on the determinations of the preservatives in body milk or shampoo are negligible.