PENETAPAN KONSENTRASI METIL DAN PROPIL PARABEN PADA PRODUK PERAWATAN BAYI MENGGUNAKAN SPEKTROFOTOMETER UV-VIS

Abstract

Parabens are preservatives that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms and are used to extend the shelf life of various foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. This preservative is most popularly used throughout the world where more than one type of paraben is generally added in each product or in combination with other preservatives. Parabens function to stop the growth of fungi and bacteria that can damage the product so that it can extend its shelf life. Parabens have been studied for their effects on test animals which show that they have estrogenic effects and affect reproductive function in male animals. In addition, the toxicity of parabens has been confirmed for systemic absorption in humans. Overall, the types of parabens that are widely used as preservatives are methylparaben and n-propyl paraben. In Indonesia, the use of parabens in baby products is still used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and extend the shelf life of products because they are cheap and very effective. Preliminary research was conducted to determine the type and concentration of parabens used in several baby products so that they could be used as a reference for further research into the toxicity level of parabens on duration of exposure in the human body. Determination of the types and levels of parabens was carried out by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and UV-Vis Spectrophotometry. The results showed that of the 10 samples of baby care products used, 50% of the samples used parabens as preservatives. 5 samples that tested positive for parabens, the highest propyl paraben content was obtained in the 5th sample of 0.0014% and the lowest in sample 8 with 0.0007%. The highest use of methyl paraben was in the 7th sample of 0.0010% and the lowest in the 2nd sample of 0.0001% and the highest level of total parabens was 0.0023%.