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Preservative and Additive Analysis

AAL's cosmetics scientists can analyze most of the additives (color, artificial sweetener, etc.) and preservative ingredients listed by USP monograph and FDA Cosmetics Handbook. Computerized automated HPLC and GC perform all chemical testing.

Chemical analysis is conducted under GMP requirements and complies with USP Chromatography system suitability requirements.

Preservative Testing
(BHT, BHQ, TBHQ, Parabens)

Additive Testing
(Polysorbate, Surfactant)

Active purity content

Color additives FD&C red, yellow, blue, green

Preservative efficacy or microbial 30-day challenges

Formaldehyde content
(Japan Export Testing)

Below is a list of the approved preservatives, color additives, and sweetener additives commonly used in cosmetics:

Partial List of the Approved Preservatives (USP/NF grade)
Commonly Used in Cosmetics:

   
Method

Butyl Parabens

0.05-0.1%
HPLC

Diazolidinyl Urea

0.1-0.3%
HPLC

DMDM Hydantoin

0.2-0.6%
HPLC

Ethyl Paraben

0.8-0.1%
HPLC

Imidazolidnyl Urea

0.1-0.5%
HPLC

Isobutyl Paraben Sodium Methyl Paraben

0.05-0.2%
HPLC

Kathon cG (Methylchloroisothiazolone, and Methyllisothiazolone)

max 0.1%
HPLC

Methyl Paraben

0.1-0.3%
HPLC

Methylisothiazolinone

max 0.02%
HPLC

Phenoxy ethanol

0.3-0.5%
HPLC

Propyl Paraben

0.01-0.1%>
HPLC

Quaternium-15 (dowicil 200)

max 0.2%
Redox - Titration

Sodium Benzoate

HPLC

Tricarnilide

HPLC

Triclosan

.0.1-0.4%
HPLC

Sweetener Additives:

 
Method

Acesulfame

HPLC

Aspartame

HPLC

Mannitol

HPLC / IC

Saccharin

HPLC

Sorbitol

HPLC / IC

Xylitol

HPLC / IC