Possibilities and drawbacks of total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry as a fast, simple and cost-effective technique for multielement analyses of cosmetics

This paper shows a simple, rapid and cost-effective method for multielement analyses of cosmetics. Total
reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) is used to determine the composition, particularly the
presence of potentially toxic elements, of cosmetics. Three sample preparation methods based on suspension
preparation were developed for different types of cosmetic samples, e.g. lipsticks, eye shadows
and body creams.
Limits of detection within the low mg kg1 range were obtained and enabled cosmetic screening for
compliance with the legal thresholds for some major toxic elements. A good accuracy of the results on a
wide range of concentration levels (>10000mg kg1) was found without the need of sample dilution.
Results obtained for most elements in the lipstick and cream samples agreed with those obtained by the
reference method recommended by the Food and Drug Administration, based on using inductively
coupled plasma techniques after microwave digestion. However, for eyeshadow analysis, a more sophisticate
approach is needed to improve the analytical results.