Quantification of coumarins, furocoumarins and polymethoxyflavones in hydroalcoholic fragrances by supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Citrus essential oils, thanks to their pleasant aroma, are certainly the most used ingredients in the formulation of hydroalcoholic fragrances. The non-volatile fraction of Citrus essential oil is composed for 10-20% of coumarins, furocoumarins and polymethoxyflavones. It is well known that furocoumarins induce photosensitization and have potential carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. It follows that furocoumarins levels in cosmetics product are constantly monitored by opinions and regulations issued by the International Fragrance Association.The aim of this research article was to quantify coumarins, furocoumarins and polymethoxyflavones in thirty commercial hydroalcoholic fragrances using supercritical fluid chromatography in combination with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry technique (SFC-QqQ-MS). According to author's knowledge, this is the first report on the determination of oxygen heterocyclic compounds in hydroalcoholic fragrances by means of SFC-QqQ-MS technique.

Automated summary

Due to their pleasant aroma, citrus essential oils are widely used in hydroalcoholic fragrances. However, these oils contain furocoumarins, which have potential carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Therefore, the International Fragrance Association regulates the levels of furocoumarins in cosmetics. This research article employed SFC-QqQ-MS technique to analyze the compounds in thirty commercial hydroalcoholic fragrances, providing the first report on the determination of oxygen heterocyclic compounds in these products.