Method development for nitrosamines

Nitrosamines are a group of molecules essentially composed of nitrogen and oxygen. Found in many areas, nitrosamines can be found in food products, plastics, cosmetics and some drugs (as a solvent).

The production of nitrosamines in cosmetics and personal care products occurs in two ways:

1. If there is an ingredient that acts as a nitrosating agent in cosmetic products, nitrosamines are formed that way.
2. Nitrosamines also form if cosmetic products contain an amine ingredient combined with production or storage conditions that promote nitrosamine formation. Thus, several nitrosamines exist including:

NDBA (N-nitrosodibutylamine)
NDPA (N-nitrosodipropylamine)
NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine)
NDIPA (Nitroso-diisopropylamine)

It is important to note that nitrosamines, or N-nitroso compounds, are generally produced unintentionally.