Detection of UV filters in cosmetic products (sunscreen) by HPTLC

Sunscreen products contain UV filters that absorb or reflect a part of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The identification of these UV filters in cream can be a challenging task because of the multiple ingredients used in the cosmetic formulation.

The CAMAG application note A-103.1 contains a simple sample preparation step followed by HPTLC separation of sunscreen samples. The presence of target compounds can be confirmed by mass detection.