China National Standard: Determination Methods of Three Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients

National standard “GB/T 30942-2014 Determination of 2-methoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol and 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethanol in cosmetics”, formulated by Fujian Institute of Quality Inspection and Technical Research entered into force recently. The standard specifies the determination methods of the three ingredients in cream, lotion and liquid products. According to the standard, the detection limit of these ingredients is 15mg/kg and the limit of quantitation is 50mg/kg.

2-methoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol and 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethanol are all prohibited ingredients as prescribed in the “Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics 2007”. They are widely used as solvents, jet fuel antifreeze agents, brake fluid and chemical intermediates. Excessive inhalation of these ingredients may depress the central nervous system. In strong concentrations they can cause headache or nausea.