Single-Particle ICP-MS/MS Application for Routine Screening of Nanoparticles Present in Powder-Based Facial Cosmetics

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• The environmental and health impacts of nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer products remain largely unknown.
• Regulatory frameworks for NP transparency in cosmetics vary globally, with the EU requiring it and the US lacking specific regulations.
• Powder-based facial cosmetics (FCs) are widely used, but their NP content is not well-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the utility of single-particle inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (spICP-MS/MS) as a screening tool for NPs in FCs.
• To establish a method with criteria for confirming NP presence and detection thresholds in cosmetic products.
• To analyze seven FCs for the presence of specific metal-based NPs.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of a spICP-MS/MS method for NP detection.
• Analysis of seven powder-based facial cosmetic samples.
• Screening for NPs including Bi, Cr, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sn, Ag, Al, and Zn.

Main Results:

• Nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm were detected in all analyzed FC samples.
• No correlation was found between the presence of NPs and the market value of the cosmetic products.
• Qualitative and semi-quantitative data were obtained for NP content across diverse FCs.

Conclusions:

• spICP-MS/MS is a viable and effective screening method for detecting NPs in powder-based facial cosmetics.
• The widespread presence of NPs in FCs highlights the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and consumer transparency.
• Further research is warranted to understand the toxicological and environmental implications of NPs in cosmetic products.