Analysis of Phthalate Esters in Cosmetics using Head Space Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

An analytical method of phthalate esters including dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate in cosmetics was investigated using head space gas chromatography mass spectrometry(HS-GC/MS). Equilibration in the head space using Tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-Dioxide (sulforan) as solvent under the temperature and duration of 130 °C and 30 minutes, respectively, gave the result of accurate analysis possible.Using this method, the concentration of phthalate esters in cosmetics were determined, and the results showed that dibutyl phthalate concentration in an eyebrow pencil was around 2000 μg/g (0.2%).