EN 16521: Determination of Phthalates in Cosmetic Products

Phthalates are odorless and colorless chemicals called “plasticizers” used to make plastics more durable. Apart from its plasticizing feature, it can be used as a solvent and stabilizer in perfume and fragrance products. Apart from perfumes, phthalates are used in shampoos, hair sprays, shaving products, lotions and various cleaners.

The use of phthalates in cosmetic products can be listed as follows:

- To reduce brittleness in nail products such as nail polish and lacquer; dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- It prevents hardness by forming a film in hair sprays; dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
- Used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances; diethyl phthalate (DEP)

The EN 16521 standard covers methods for the analysis and identification of 12 phthalates in cosmetic samples ready for analytical injection. Phthalates are known as these chemicals, pronounced THAL-ates, which have been linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer, and are therefore sought after in cosmetics by analytical processes.

You can contact Nanolab Cosmetic Analysis Laboratory for Phthalate Determination in cosmetic products by GC/MS method within the scope of EN 16521 standard.