Screening for illegal addition of glucocorticoids in adulterated cosmetic products using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with precursor ion scanning

Rationale The screening for illegal adulteration of glucocorticoids (GCs) in cosmetics is challenging due to the vast variety of potential GCs that are present to improve the declared effects. An effective analytical method to screen illegally added GCs in cosmetics is vital to protect consumers. Methods An ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) method using precursor ion scanning (PIS) acquisition mode was developed to screen GCs in cosmetics. Forty-seven GCs were investigated to identify their common product ions formed by collision-induced dissociation. Cosmetic samples spiked with GCs were extracted using solid-phase extraction. Results Four common positive product ions, m/z 121, 135, 147, and 171, were selected for PIS analysis. Limits of detection (LODs) were established for all 47 GCs. The method was validated on spiked samples to ensure its effectiveness in terms of sensitivity and selectivity. Sixty samples were analyzed. Seven GCs were detected in six samples. Conclusions An effective screening method using UPLC/MS/MS with PIS acquisition mode was developed and successfully applied to screen for targeted and untargeted GCs in cosmetic samples.

Automated summary

The study developed an effective screening method using UPLC/MS/MS with PIS acquisition mode to detect glucocorticoids in cosmetics. Four common positive product ions were selected for PIS analysis, leading to successful detection of 7 GCs in 6 out of 60 tested samples.