A novel and widely accessible HPLC method for determination content of homosalate in sunscreen products on the market

Introduction: Considering that the research has shown that homosalate act as endocrine-active substance, it is very important to develop quick and sensitive method for tracking its concentrations in sunscreen products. The aim of this paper is to develop and validate the method for determining homosalate in sunscreen preparations and controlling the content of the products found on the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: A high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for determination homosalate in sunscreen products has been developed and validated. Samples of six different manufacturers have been analyzed. HPLC method is method of choice for this type of investigation. Results: According to the calibration curve it has been found that the proposed analytical method in a given range of concentration is linear and that the correlation coefficient is R2=0.9998. Accuracy of the method is in range 94.26% -121.53%.The results have shown that the homosalate concentration in the tested samples did not exceed the maximally permissible concentration (10%). In the sample AV50 homosalate was not declared as an active ingredient, but it was identified and quantified at a concentration of 0.143%. Conclusion: Results of investigation of cosmetic products that are widely present on the market show the need of developing a sufficiently sensitive, easily accessible, analytical method for controlling the content of organic UV filters since the exceeding of the maximally permissible concentration can have a harmful effect on people who use these kinds of products. The results show that developed method meets conditions and is suitable for wide application.