Protective effect of barrier cream

Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used as plasticizers, which make plastics more flexible and durable. They have also been used as additives in products such as cosmetics and personal care items. Several phthalates have been identified as endocrine-disrupting agents or as chemicals toxic to reproduction. Exposure to phthalates can occur through: Oral exposure Food: Exposure occurs via migration from food packaging., Children's toys: Children often put toys in their mouths.., Inhalation: Breathing in dust from vinyl flooring or fragrances (like perfumes) can cause exposure to phthalates via inhalation., Skin contact: Phthalates present in cosmetics, lotions, and soaps can be absorbed through the skin.. For other listed matrices apart from cosmetics, the analysis package covers the following substances included in the REACH Authorization List: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Diisobutyl phthalate DIBP 84-69-5 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 Products that contain restricted phthalates in concentrations higher than 0.1% may be removed from the market. The analysis package for cosmetic products contains the following phthalates: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 All the above-mentioned substances are prohibited in cosmetic products (Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009).

Determination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen content of an organic sample. CHNS analysis (”LECO analysis”) is performed using a flash combustion method, where the sample is combusted under 25 kPa of O2 at an elevated temperature (1000 °C), followed by gas chromatography separation and detection using a thermal conductivity detector. Oxygen is analyzed by reduction on granulated carbon at 1480 °C, utilizing high-temperature thermal decomposition and conversion of oxygen into carbon monoxide before gas chromatography separation and detection with a thermal conductivity detector. The sample can be either solid or liquid, but water in the sample affects the results. In the case of aqueous samples, it is possible to dry the sample before analysis. The price includes two parallel measurements. The results are reported as wt-% of the initial sample. The ash, drying and dry loss measurements will increase the minimum required sample material need to 300 mg. The analysis gives the total carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen content of the material, but it does not identify any chemical structures. The measurement can be combined with other methods, such as GC-MS, 1H, and 13C NMR, to perform substance structure identification. Possible element packages: O, CHNS, and CHNOS.

Particle size analysis with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis is performed in conformity with the 2022 European Commission recommendation on the definition of nanomaterials (2022/C 229/01). At least 300 particles are measured, the minimum Feret diameter is chosen as the dimensional parameter, and the particle size distribution histogram is reported. By default, the following data are reported: Mean, Median (d50), Number-based nano percentage according to 2022/C 229/01 definition . Please indicate if you want any other statistics reported. These projects are priced per population of similar particles. If the qualitative SEM analysis reveals multiple populations, the price needs to be adjusted according to the number of populations to be reported. This method can be used to establish the presence of small particles including nanoparticles according to EFSA novel food guidance (Particle-TR). In this case, the following statistics are also included in the report: mean and median, 10% value of the total particles, % of the particles that are smaller than 500 nm, % of the fraction of small particles that are smaller than 250 nm. For cosmetics applications, the following statistics are provided: mean and median, 10% value of the total particles, Number-based nano percentage according to 2022/C 229/01 definition . This analysis can be coupled with XRD analysis for crystallinity information, or with VSSA analysis for specific surface area information.

Determination of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) with polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons (POSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in various matrices, including: Food contact materials (e.g., paper, board, plastics, rubber), Printing inks (incl. carbon black), Cosmetic products and raw materials, Lubricating oils and greases, white oils. The results are reported as the concentrations of fractions of MOSH/POSH and MOAH, with grouping based on the number of carbon atoms in the substances. The reported fractions are listed in the table below: MOSH/POSH (C10-C50), total MOAH (C10-C50), total MOSH/POSH (≥C10-≤C16) MOAH (≥C10-≤C16) MOSH/POSH (>C16-≤C20) MOAH (>C16-≤C25) MOSH/POSH (>C20-≤C25) MOAH (>C25-≤C35) MOSH/POSH (>C25-≤C35) MOAH (>C35-≤C50) MOSH/POSH (>C35-≤C40) MOSH/POSH (>C40-≤C50) In case the sample contains high amounts of MOSH, POSH, or poly alpha olefins (PAO), the levels should be indicated before shipping samples. Moreover, the LOQ is higher for samples with high MOSH, POSH, or PAO content due to dilution. Additionally, the safety data sheets (SDS) should be supplied with the samples when available.

Nondestructive 3D analysis of internal structures by X-ray computed tomography. The method visualizes voids, cracks, density, and phase differences within solid structures. The method is most suitable for powdered materials, such as pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients. The resolution can go down to 2-3 µm for powders. Please contact us for more information about the analysis options for different materials and material dimensions.

The following analyses are included in this nanoparticle analysis package, intended to characterize nanoforms according to the REACH Regulation. Particle size distribution and aspect ratios by SEM-EDX Preparation with isopropanol, Sample dispersion on a slide, with centrifugation, SEM analysis and particle count by image analysis, Nanoparticle detection and classification according to the 2022 EC recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial, Reporting of PSD parameters for ~300 particles, including the following: PSD diagram, accumulated and individual., Feret min (min, d10, d25, d50, d75, d90, d95, max), Feret max (min, d10, d25, d50, d75, d90, d95, max), Equivalent circular diameter (min, d10, d25, d50, d75, d90, d95, max), Aspect ratio (calculated based on individual Feret min and Feret max measurements), Number based nano-fraction (%).. Crystal phase analysis by XRD/Rietveld method Sample preparation: drying, grinding, X-ray preparation, XRD analysis over an angular range extending from 10° to 90°, Identification of the crystalline phases present in the sample, Semi-quantitative analysis of phase distribution, using the Rietveld method, Interpretation of diffractograms. Chemical composition/purity by ICP-AES and CHNS analysis ICP-AES quantification of inorganic and metallic elements: Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Se, Sb, Si, Sn, Sr, V, Zn, Ti, and Tl, Determination of C, H, N, and S with an elemental analyzer. Volume-specific surface area (VSSA) and VSSA diameter calculations (optional) BET specific surface area measurement of powder by nitrogen adsorption, True (skeletal) density measurement by He pycnometry, excluding intergranular and intragranular porosity, Both analyses include sample preparation. You can request a quote for the analysis using the form below. Please note that the OECD 125 guideline does not apply to this analysis.

Test of 1 bottle at 20 °C with Malvern Spraytec to characterize particle sizes between 0.1 µm and 900 µm with a standard distance between the nozzle and the laser beam. The results are reported for 3 repeat shots. Particle size distribution histograms, percent finers (Dv10, Dv50, Dv90), and % of particles smaller than 5 µm, 10 µm, and 50 µm are reported. Providing two 100% charge spray bottles per analysis is recommended for aerosols. Contact us for a quote and more information on analyses under nonstandard conditions.

Imaging of the sample with transmission electron microscope (TEM). Typically, several images with varying magnifications are taken to get a good overview of the sample. TEM allows nm-resolution images. Solid samples often require FIB preparation before analysis. HR-TEM can also be provided. Contact us for more details.

Quantitative analysis of gliadin and gluten in food, cosmetics, feed, and environmental samples using the ELISA method. Quantification of intact gliadin is used as a measure of gluten. Please note that the method is not accurate for samples that contain fermented or hydrolyzed gluten. According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, gluten-containing cereals (wheat, rye, barley, etc.) must be indicated and emphasized in the list of ingredients, as they are known to cause allergies and intolerances. It is also recommended to provide a voluntary indication if a food product may contain gluten due to unintended contamination. For food to be marketed as gluten-free or very low gluten in the EU, the following criteria must be met: Gluten content does not exceed 20 mg/kg in ‘gluten-free’ products, Gluten content does not exceed 100 mg/kg in ‘very low gluten’ products.

Determination of allergens from food, feed, or supplement samples with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The following allergens are available for analysis: Peanut, Soy protein, Gliadin/gluten, Casein, Cashew, Egg white, Fish, Hazelnut, Crustaceans, Lupin, Almond, Milk protein, Mollusks, Pistachio, Mustard seed protein, Sesame, ß-Lactoglobulin, Whole egg, Walnut protein. The cost is per allergen per sample. According to EU food labeling requirements, it is mandatory to display allergen information on packaged foods.