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Targeted Determination of Residual Sex Hormones in Cosmetics Using Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction with Isotope-Labeled Internal Standards by UHPLC-MS/MS

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: As rapidly developing consumer products, cosmetics confront challenges regarding safety, especially hazardous ingredients, like sex hormones. Prolonged exposure to trace sex hormones in cosmetics can inflict immeasurable damage to human health. To accurately detect the trace amounts of sex hormones in cosmetics, a reliable method was developed and validated using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) with magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) and isotope-labeled internal standards (IL-ISs). The conditions of sample pretreatment, chromatography, and mass parameters were systemically investigated. In the MSPE procedure, the commercial Fe3O4@HLB magnetic material was employed for sample pretreatment, which was beneficial for operation, as well as sample purification and analyte enrichment. The utilization of IL-ISs compensated for potential matrix effects and losses during sample preparation, thereby improving precision and accuracy. Based on the proposed MSPE technology, UHPLC-MS/MS can address the qualitative and quantitative analysis needs for target analytes in complex cosmetic matrices. At three fortification levels, recoveries were in the range of 71.7–116.2%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) ranging from 1.6% to 8.3%. Furthermore, based on the method proposed here, a total of 116 batches of cosmetics were analyzed, and trace progestins and estrogens were discovered in 10 samples. The MSPE method, coupled with UHPLC-MS/MS using IL-ISs, was convenient, efficient, and feasible for detecting trace amounts of sex hormones in cosmetics. The method scored 0.66 (out of 1) on the AGREE metric, confirming its green profile. Based on the detected concentrations, a preliminary safety evaluation was performed to assess the potential health risks of residual progesterone in hair loss prevention cosmetics by calculating the margin of safety (MoS).

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules31010090

Authors: Yalei Dong, Shuyan Sun, Yasen Qiao, Chunhui Yu, Haiyan Wang, Lei Sun

Institutions: National Medical Products Administration, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, China Pharmaceutical University

Language: English

Topic: Analytical chemistry methods development

Subfield: Analytical Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258