Colouring Agents in Cosmetics: Regulatory Aspects and Analytical Methods

Abstract This chapter reviews regulatory policies on the use of colouring agents in cosmetic products and also both the rationale and the specific methods for analyzing such agents. Regulations of various countries are presented, with an emphasis on the requirements for colour additives permitted in the United States. Analysis of colouring agents is discussed with respect to techniques implemented since the early 1990s for determining inorganic and organic components of the agents as well as methods for determining the colouring agents themselves within cosmetic products. Approaches used in preparing reference materials are also described in detail.