Esters of para‐aminobenzoic acid in cosmetics. Identification and dosage within sun‐creams

Abstract

Synopsis A method is presented for the identification and determination by T.L.C. and G.L.C. of esters of para-aminobenzoic acid with a free amine function and of local anaesthetics, prohibited in cosmetic products, in accordance with the cosmetic directive 76/768/EEC. In a commercial product, nominally supplied as para-aminobenzoic monoglyceryl ester (authorised in sun-creams in accordance with the EEC directive) other phenyl groups with para substitution were identified by means of T.L.C. and N.M.R. spectroscopy; among them, the para-aminobenzoic ethyl ester. G.L.C. enables a quantitative determination of these substances.