Sensitive furocoumarin analysis to ensure regulatory compliance and product safety. Learn more about our high-sensitivity analytical method that offers multi-residue detection, speed, and reliability. to support your compliance with European, Swiss, and international requirements.
Why analyze furocoumarins?
Furocoumarins are natural compounds found in several plants (celery, citrus fruits, parsley, certain essential oils). They are known for their phototoxic effects, which can cause skin reactions when exposed to UV light, and some may also show carcinogenic potential.
Regulatory bodies and regulations (EFSA, FDA, the European Cosmetics Regulation, and Swiss authorities) and industry standards (IFRA) are progressively strengthening their requirements, imposing increasingly strict concentration limits in cosmetics, and plant protection products.
Our analysis method – LC-MS/MS
We offer a reliable, fast, and ultra-sensitive analytical solution for the detection and quantification of furocoumarins.
Key features
- Multi-residue analysis: simultaneous detection of 16 furocoumarins in a single injection
- Detection limit ≤ 0.1 ppm, meeting the strictest upcoming regulatory requirements
- Applicable to various matrices: cosmetics, plant extracts, essential oils
- Fast turnaround: analysis time reduced from 75 to 30 minutes thanks to UHPLC
- Maximum specificity: LC-MS/MS detection avoiding the interferences observed with HPLC-UV
Why choose our laboratory?
- Recognized expertise in developing and validating cosmetics testing analytical methods
- Our laboratories use state-of-the-art equipment (UPLC-MS/MS) for reliable and fast results
- Regulatory support to anticipate upcoming market changes
- Applications already in progress on essential oils and other complex matrices
Current regulations and industry standards
IFRA (International Fragrance Association) – globally applied in the fragrance/cosmetics industry:
- <15 ppm in all products exposed to UV light (leave-on products and perfumes)
- No official limit defined for rinse-off products (e.g., shower gels)
These standards are not legally binding, but are followed by IFRA members and the wider industry community.
European Cosmetics Regulation
Furocoumarins are restricted under the European Cosmetics Regulation due to their phototoxic potential.
- The concentration of furocoumarins in sunscreens and tanning products must not exceed 1 ppm.
Switzerland – national regulation (strict)
- <1 ppm furocoumarins in all products exposed to light (leave-on or unprotected).
Upcoming or anticipated industry standard developments
A new IFRA amendment (No. 52) is expected by 2026, introducing stricter restrictions:
- <1 ppm in products with a sun protection function (any product with SPF)
- <5 ppm in leave-on products
- <50 ppm in rinse-off products