PAH Analizi — EN 16619 / (AB) 2023/915 / Kozmetikte PAH · Cosmetics Testing

What Is PAH?

PAH analysis is the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons formed as a result of incomplete combustion. IN FOOD, it originates from smoking, grilling and drying processes; benzo(a)pyrene is evaluated alone and as a four-component total (PAH4). In COSMETICS, it comes to the fore through carbon black, mineral oil derivatives and tar-based components.

Purpose of PAH

The aim is to show that PAH compounds classified as carcinogenic are below the regulatory limits in products.

Which Products Is PAH Applied To?

Smoked meat and fish products
Grilled and roasted products
vegetable oils
baby foods
Cosmetic products containing carbon black
Rubber and plastic consumer products

In Which Sectors Is PAH Used?

FoodAgricultureRetailCosmeticsPlastics & Rubber

Standards Related to PAH

TS EN 16619 (food — benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and chrysene, GC-MS)
TS EN 15753 (PAH in oil and fatty foods)
AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK (assessment of PAHs in consumer products)
ISO 18287 (PAH in soil — for environmental matrices)

PAH Conditions

Extraction: With suitable organic solvent; Purification by gel permeation chromatography in oily matrices
Measurement: GC-MS veya HPLC-floresans
Assessment: The sum of benzo(a)pyrene and PAH4 in food separately
Unit: µg/kg veya mg/kg

Equipment for PAH

GC-MS / GC-MS/MS
HPLC-floresans
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) cleanup system
Solid phase extraction devices

Sample Requirements for PAH

Homogenized representative sample
The sample should be sent in a glass container; Contact with plastic should be avoided
In smoked products, the surface and interior can be evaluated separately.
Carbon black or mineral oil content must be declared in cosmetics

Duration of PAH

Extraction, cleanup and chromatographic measurement together take several working days; In oily matrices, the cleaning step prolongs the time.

PAH Procedure

1The sample is homogenized and weighed.
2It is extracted with the appropriate solvent.
3It is cleaned in oily matrices by GPC or solid phase extraction.
4The extract is concentrated.
5Measured by GC-MS or HPLC-fluorescence.
6The sum of benzo(a)pyrene and PAH4 is calculated.

PAH Acceptance Criteria

In food (EU) 2023/915 defines maximum levels for the sum of benzo(a)pyrene and PAH4 by product category; Limits are stricter on baby foods. In cosmetics, certain PAH compounds and tar derivatives are prohibited under (EC) 1223/2009 Annex II. The limits to be applied are confirmed by the relevant legislation.

Evaluation of Results

Benzo(a)pyrene alone is not a sufficient indicator; therefore the legislation also limits the four-component sum (PAH4). In a product, the PAH4 total may be exceeded while benzo(a)pyrene remains below the limit. Since PAHs concentrate on the surface in smoked products, the way of sample preparation affects the results.

PAH Report

Specimen identification and matrix
Applied standard and cleaning method
Result and detection limit for each PAH component
Sum of benzo(a)pyrene and PAH4
Regulatory limits compared against

Accreditation

EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation obtained from accreditation bodies party to the IAF and ILAC multilateral recognition arrangements, under ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection and surveillance, and ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 for system and product certification. This chain ensures the reports and certificates issued are accepted worldwide.

Whether this test can be offered within accredited scope depends on your product and the standard applied; since accreditation is method-based, the scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

Scope and authorisations

Related Regulations

(EU) Maximum Contaminant Levels Regulation 2023/915
(EC) 1223/2009 Cosmetic Products Regulation Annex II
(AT) 1907/2006 REACH Ek XVII madde 50

Kozmetik Testleri — What Does This Testing Field Cover?

The section below describes the field that the PAH test belongs to; the conditions and acceptance criteria of this particular test are given in the sections above. The scope specific to your product is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

Cosmetics testing shows that a product stays microbiologically safe throughout its use, delivers the performance it claims and contains no restricted substances. There is NO PRODUCT APPROVAL in this family: no authority approves a cosmetic product; responsibility rests entirely with the manufacturer and with the responsible person established in the EU.

This responsibility model shapes how the field works. Before the product is placed on the market a product information file (PIF) is prepared, a safety assessment (CPSR) is carried out and notification is completed. Inspection comes afterwards and asks for the file; if the file is incomplete the product is withdrawn from the market. Test reports form the evidence base of that file.

On the microbiological side there are two different questions and each is answered by a separate test. The CURRENT microbiological quality of the product is measured by enumeration and testing for specified microorganisms. The EFFECTIVENESS of the preservative system is examined by deliberately inoculating the product with microorganisms (challenge test): can the product resist repeated contamination throughout its use? A jar of cream is touched by a finger at every use; the preservative system must cope with that.

On the performance side, claim substantiation studies are carried out. For sunscreens, determination of SPF and UVA protection and measurement of water resistance are mandatory and are the basis of the value declared on the label. Evidence is also produced by in vivo or in vitro methods for claims such as moisturisation, appearance of wrinkles, hair care and colour retention.

On the chemical side, banned and restricted substances are screened: heavy metals, prohibited colorants, preservative concentrations, UV filter levels and contaminants such as nitrosamines. Products containing nanomaterials carry a separate notification obligation.

The BAN ON ANIMAL TESTING is the most defining constraint of the field. Animal testing cannot be carried out on finished products or ingredients, and a product tested on animals cannot be placed on the market. Alternative in vitro methods (reconstructed human skin models, cell culture based tests) are therefore at the centre of the field, and toxicological assessment rests largely on existing data, read-across approaches and in vitro results.

Stability and packaging compatibility studies determine shelf life and the period after opening (PAO). The interaction of the product with its packaging is also assessed: an active substance may migrate into the packaging, and substances that should not be present may pass from the packaging into the product.

On the process side, good manufacturing practice is demonstrated through ISO 22716; this is separate from product testing but a mandatory part of the file.

Method groups in this field

Microbiological quality
Enumeration of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and moulds; testing for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and E. coli.
Preservative efficacy
Resistance of the preservative system to repeated contamination by challenge test (ISO 11930).
Sun protection
In vivo SPF determination, in vitro UVA protection determination, water resistance and critical wavelength measurements.
Chemical analysis
Heavy metals, banned and restricted substances, quantification of preservatives and UV filters, contaminant screening.
Safety assessment
In vitro irritation and sensitisation methods, toxicological risk assessment, exposure calculations.
Stability and compatibility
Real-time and accelerated stability, packaging compatibility, PAO determination, sensory and physicochemical monitoring.

Commonly confused in this field

There is NO CE marking on cosmetics; conformity is demonstrated through the PIF, the safety assessment and notification.
The responsible person must be established in the EU; unless the exporter arranges this, the product cannot be placed on the market.
Microbiological quality and preservative efficacy are different tests; a product that comes out clean may still have a weak preservative system.
The animal testing ban covers ingredients too; animal test data generated for another market creates a problem of use.
An SPF claim must be supported by measurement; a formulation change requires a new measurement.
A change of packaging may require the stability and compatibility studies to be repeated.

Which decisions these results support

The product information file and the safety assessment
Verification of the preservative system design
Substantiation of SPF and efficacy claims
Determining shelf life and the period after opening
Compliance with destination market restrictions for export

Related Tests

Frequently Asked Questions About PAH

If we change the smoking method, will PAH decrease?

Usually yes. Indirect fumigation, smoke filtration and temperature control significantly reduce PAH formation. After changes, the product must be re-analyzed.

Kozmetikte PAH nereden gelir?

The main sources are carbon black pigment, unrefined mineral oil derivatives and tar-derived components. Raw material purity is decisive; Supplier specification is critical at this point.