Analysis of Formaldehyde Using HPLC and Post-Column Derivatization with Acetylacetone

Introduction

Formaldehyde, which is used as an ingredient of wood preservatives and resin products, has attracted considerable attention because it is a causative agent of the sick house syndrome. Ingredients contained in shampoos, skin lotions, foundation products, and other cosmetics are subject to particularly strict regulations because they are applied to the human body. Japan’s Standards for Cosmetics (Ministry of Health and Welfare Notification No. 331, 2000) prohibit the inclusion of formaldehyde in cosmetics. Moreover, in the EU, the content of formaldehyde in nail polish and other nail products is limited to no more than 5% under Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, Annex III. In this study, formaldehyde was detected in cosmetics using the HPLC method and post-column derivatization with acetylacetone, which is an established test method under the Methods of Analysis in Health Science (The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, 2015). This article introduces formaldehyde analysis using a Nexera^TM Series Nexera XR ultra high performance liquid chromatograph.

March 29, 2023 GMT