Fabrication of Chromatographic Devices for Screening Cosmetics for Hydroquinone and Retinoic Acid as a Chemistry Project To Connect with the Community

Abstract

This article demonstrates how a student research project could connect classroom and community. Using local citizens’ concerns about the adulteration of cosmetics by prohibited substances as a research problem, fifth-year pharmaceutical chemistry students were challenged to use their knowledge to create cost-effective and environmentally friendly chromatographic devices from easily obtainable materials. After validation of the procedure, the devices were utilized for screening skin-whitening and antiwrinkle cosmetic samples submitted to the faculty through the community service program for the screening of hydroquinone and retinoic acid. Coactivities such as delivery of health education to the community and program evaluation were also conducted by students to promote their community engagement and work experience in a real-world context. Furthermore, the knowledge gained from the project was passed on to younger students to illustrate in lectures and stimulate their interest in chemistry. The project was...