Possibilities and drawbacks of total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry as a fast, simple and cost-effective technique for multielement analyses of cosmetics.

This paper shows a simple, rapid and cost-effective method for multielement analyses of cosmetics. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) is used to determine the composition, particularly the presence of potentially toxic elements, of cosmetics. Three sample preparation methods based on suspension preparation were developed for different types of cosmetic samples, e.g. lipsticks, eye shadows and body creams. Limits of detection within the low mg kg range were obtained and enabled cosmetic screening for compliance with the legal thresholds for some major toxic elements. A good accuracy of the results on a wide range of concentration levels (>10000 mg kg) was found without the need of sample dilution. Results obtained for most elements in the lipstick and cream samples agreed with those obtained by the reference method recommended by the Food and Drug Administration, based on using inductively coupled plasma techniques after microwave digestion. However, for eyeshadow analysis, a more sophisticate approach is needed to improve the analytical results.