Quantitative HPLC analysis of sunscreens and caffeine during in vitro percutaneous penetration studies

This report describes rapid analytical HPLC for the quantification of five UV filters (octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3, benzophenone-4, octyl triazone and octocrylene) and of caffeine in various skin layers (stratum corneum, dermis, epidermis and receptor fluid) and in cosmetic preparations. The predominant purpose of the study was to establish standard operating procedures for rapid analysis of the compounds in various skin samples. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of biological samples whose natural constitution could interfere with the quantitative analysis. Our methods used the isocratic chromatographic mode in an RP-HPLC with UV detection and did not involve centrifugation or evaporation. Our results were validated in terms of specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy and limits of detection and quantification. The first results, obtained after in vitro experiments, are presented in this report.