Optimizing Chromatographic Techniques for Comprehensive Paraben Analysis to Enhance Safety in Consumer Products

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 228 243
    By

    Nandkumar Govindrao Patil,

  • Vishwambhar Shinde,

  • Anil H. Gore,

  • Mrudula Wadekar,

  • Ajinkya Mandake,

  1. Student, Department of Chemistry, Yashawantrao Mohite College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
  2. Professor, Department of Chemistry, Yashawantrao Mohite College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
  3. Professor, Department of Chemistry, Tarsadia Institute of Chemical Sciences, Uka Tarsadia University (Maliba Campus), Gujarat, India
  4. Professor, Department of Chemistry, Yashawantrao Mohite College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
  5. Professor, Department of Chemistry, Yashawantrao Mohite College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Parabens (PBs), such as methylparaben (MePB), ethylparaben (EtPB), propylparaben (PrPB), and butylparaben (BuPB), are widely used as preservatives in pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care products due to their antibacterial properties. However, there are growing worries about their potential to disrupt hormonal functions, which has led to stricter regulations. This study focuses on creating a robust high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for quickly measuring all four parabens in consumer goods. We optimized the HPLC setup using a C18 Inertsil column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) along with a mobile phase of water and acetonitrile in a 50:50 mixture, employing Isocratic elution. For detection, we used a diode array detector (DAD) set at 254 nm with a bandwidth of 4 nm. Our validation tests showed strong specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision (Inter-day and Intra-day), limits of detection and quantification (LOD& LOQ), and system suitability across various concentration levels, proving the method’s reliability. The analysis results confirmed the presence of all four parabens in the samples, with distinct retention times that allowed for accurate identification and measurement. The method showcased impressive column efficiency, yielding theoretical plate numbers ranging ~ 8200 to 8987. This resulted in well-defined peaks and accurate quantification. We observed a slight peak asymmetry, around 1.7 to 1.8, which is probably due to some minor interactions between the compounds and the chromatographic system. Notably, the recovery rates for all four parabens were within acceptable limits, further supporting the method’s accuracy and efficiency for ensuring safety and compliance in the pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care sectors.

Keywords: Parabens, Regulatory scrutiny, Chromatographic techniques, Consumer safety, Endocrine disruptor, Consumer products.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

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How to cite this article:
Nandkumar Govindrao Patil, Vishwambhar Shinde, Anil H. Gore, Mrudula Wadekar, Ajinkya Mandake. Optimizing Chromatographic Techniques for Comprehensive Paraben Analysis to Enhance Safety in Consumer Products. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):228-243.
How to cite this URL:
Nandkumar Govindrao Patil, Vishwambhar Shinde, Anil H. Gore, Mrudula Wadekar, Ajinkya Mandake. Optimizing Chromatographic Techniques for Comprehensive Paraben Analysis to Enhance Safety in Consumer Products. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):228-243. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=226034


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 11/06/2025
Accepted 28/07/2025
Published 28/08/2025
Publication Time 78 Days
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