News

Go back

30.07.2024 - Cosmetics

Nitrosamines in cosmetics

Nitrosamines (N-nitrosamines) are organic compounds that are formed from secondary amines in an acidic environment under the influence of nitrosating substances (e.g., nitrous acid, nitrites).

Nitrosamines are prohibited in cosmetic products according to Annex II No. 410 of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 because they are carcinogenic.

The spectrum of nitrosamine substances is large, and by far not all individual substances are known. It is advisable to determine the total N-NO parameter, where all NO functions of the N-nitrosamines contained in the sample are cleaved and subsequently detected by chemiluminescence.

Indicators for the presence or potential formation of nitrosamines include certain raw materials that have corresponding impurities or whose chemical structure is suitable for forming nitrosamines under suitable conditions.

These include, for example: Nitrocellulose, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

If you have any questions about nitrosamine determination or the determination of the total NNO content, please feel free to contact us.