Simultaneous Liquid Chromatographic Determination of 10 Ultra-Violet Filters in Sunscreens.

Abstract

A rapid HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 10 UV filters found in sunscreen. The following UV filters were analyzed in this method; 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid, benzophenone-3, isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, octocrylene, ethylhexyl dimethyl 4-aminobenzoic acid, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl salicylate and homosalate. The method was developed on two columns; a Thermo Hypersil C18 BDS, 3 µm column (4.6 × 100 mm) and a Chromolith RP-18e Monolithic column (4.6 × 100 mm). The same mobile phase of ethanol and 1% acetic acid (70:30, v/v) was employed for both columns. The separation of the 10 UV filters was carried out successfully on both columns; the optimal resolution was obtained on the Thermo Scientific Hypersil column in a time frame of 7 min. An isocratic elution utilizing ethanol and acetic acid (70:30, v/v) at a temperature of 35°C was employed. The method was applied to a number of commercial samples of sunscreen and lotions and was validated according to International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines for selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness. A comparison of the performances of both columns was also carried out.