Application of FAPA mass spectrometry for analysis of fragrance ingredients used in cosmetics

Abstract The following study presents an analysis of fragrance ingredients used in cosmetics using flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow mass spectrometry (FAPA-MS). The performance of the method was shown during the determination of fragrance components: patchoulol, farnesol, safrole, geraniol, eucalyptol, and R-carvone. The proposed method offers rapid and reliable analysis, avoiding the pre-separation step and can be an alternative to electronic nose (e-nose) for on-site analysis of cosmetics components. The developed method was used for determination of the fragrance ingredients found in commercial cosmetics and it allowed for fast determination whether a particular fragrance is of high-quality or is it a low-cost alternative product imitating the original. We have proven that FAPA-MS allows very effective ionization of compounds, easy sample introduction, and rapid analysis, therefore is a universal method for a high verity of samples.