Screening Cosmetic Products for /V-Nitroso Compounds by Chemiluminescent Determination of Nitric Oxide

Abstract

Abstract Cosmetic products were screened for total A'-nitroso compounds by chemiluminescent measurement of nitric oxide liberated by the reductive cleavage of the A'-nitroso group. The cosmetic was first partitioned between methylene chloride and water to separate polar and nonpolar A'-nitroso compounds. Each extract was then examined for the presence of A'-nitroso compounds by adding the cleavage reagent and sweeping the nitric oxide formed into a chemiluminescent analyzer. Although the method is not intended to be quantitative, recovery studies were conducted to determine measurable levels. Recovery studies of polar A'-nitroso compounds were conducted by adding A'-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) to a cream, a shampoo, and a lotion at 3 levels, i.e., 80, 320, and 960 ppb, and then determining NDELA by the method. Recoveries ranged from 48 to 83% (mean 68%; SD = 11.9). For recoveries of nonpolar A'-nitroso compounds, 100,200, and 500 ppb of A-nitrosometh) Itetradecjiamine were added to the 3 cosmetic products. Recoveries ranged from 58 to 70% (mean 63%; SD = 5.3).