Streamlining Cosmetic Safety with ATNC Analysis

In the cosmetic industry, ensuring product safety is paramount, particularly concerning the presence of nitrosamines known for their health risks. Traditional testing methods often require sending samples to external laboratories, which can be costly and time-consuming.

To address this issue, the Apparent Total Nitrosamine Content (ATNC) Analysis offers a robust solution. This method, recognised by the European Union's Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, enables efficient and rapid screening of cosmetics for nitrosamines down to parts per billion (ppb), providing a comprehensive assessment irrespective of the nitrosamine type present.

Our experience in nitrosamine detection across various sectors has informed our approach to addressing the specific challenges within the cosmetic industry. Our 800 series Thermal Energy Analyser (TEA) detector is central to enhancing in-house ATNC testing capabilities. The TEA detector separates the NO group from nitrosamines through a specific chemical reaction, ensuring sensitive and selective detection.

A recent application of the ATNA system highlighted its effectiveness by detecting N-Nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) in cosmetic products. It successfully created a calibration curve ranging from 0 to 250 ng/mL of NDELA in water, showcasing its sensitivity. The system’s precision and reproducibility were affirmed through tests on standards with concentrations from 0 to 10 ppb NDELA. The ease of sample preparation and minimal steps involved make it suitable for laboratories with high throughput requirements. Further analysis of cosmetic samples found nitrosamine levels ranging from 18.36 to 117.34 ng/g, demonstrating the system’s ability to accurately quantify trace levels of nitrosamines with minimal interference.

Ellutia’s ATNC systems are designed to offer flexibility, accommodating both manual and automated analysis to meet various laboratory needs. Adopting in-house ATNC analysis helps cosmetic companies enhance control over product safety, enabling rapid identification and correction of potential issues and ensuring adherence to quality standards.

For more information on how ATNC analysis can be integrated into your safety protocols, or to discuss your specific testing needs, we invite you to join us for a free 30-minute consultation.