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Feb 3, 2020 - Cosmetics

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cosmetic products

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (abbreviated PAHs) can enter cosmetic products as residues. Entry usually occurs through contaminated raw materials of mineral origin (e.g. mica).

Due to the number of aromatic ring systems, a distinction is made between "light" and "heavy" PAHs. The heavy PAHs, such as benzo(a)pyrene or benzo(a)anthracene, have higher toxicological relevance and require special consideration when preparing the safety report.

Some of the PAHs are listed as prohibited substances in Annex II of the Regulation (EC) 1223/2009. This means that they may only be present in quantities that are harmless to health and technically unavoidable.

The BAV Institute, as part of the international Tentamus laboratory group, tests all product groups and raw materials for the presence of these compounds down to the ppb (parts per billion) range for you.

Contact us for PAH analysis or also for further chemical analyses such as preservatives, heavy metals, etc. We look forward to your message!