Determination of four naphthalenediols in cosmetic samples by sweeping-micellar electrokinetic chromatography and a comparison with HPLC

A sweeping micellar electrokinetic chromatography (sweeping-MEKC) method was developed for the determination of 1,7-naphthalenediol, 2,3-naphthalenediol, 1,5-naphthalenediol and 2,7-naphthalenediol in cosmetics. Several parameters affecting sweeping-MEKC method were studied systematically and the separation conditions were optimized as 20 mM NaH2PO4–110 mM SDS and 40% (v/v) MeOH (pH 2.4), with −22 kV applied voltage and UV detection at 230 nm. The sample matrix is 60 mmol L−1 NaH2PO4 and sample introduction was performed at 3 psi for 6 s. Separation of the four naphthalenediols was completed in less than 17 min. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) are 0.0045∼0.0094 μg mL−1 and 0.015∼0.031 μg mL−1. Linear relationship (r 2 > 0.999) is satisfactory at the range of 0.1–10 μg mL−1. The developed method has been successfully applied to the determination of the four naphthalenediols in real cosmetic samples, with recoveries in foundation, sun cream and lotion in the range of 92.3%∼106.8% and relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 4.15%. A HPLC method described in the National Standards of the People’s Republic of China was carried out for the comparison with the proposed method. The results showed that the proposed sweeping-MEKC method has the advantages of fast, low cost with comparative sensitivity.