Extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for direct characterization of cosmetic products

As daily necessities in large populations, quality control is mandatory for cosmetic products in order to guarantee their efficacy and safety. Traditionally, analysis of cosmetics is slow due to the dedicated sample pretreatment steps required. With neutral desorption extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ND-EESI-MS), trace illicit additives including sunscreens, hormones, and antibiotics etc. in many types of cosmetics can be quantitatively detected at sub-low-ppb levels, requiring no sample pretreatment. This review briefly summarizes the technique development and application of ND-EESI-MS for the rapid analysis of cosmetic products. The future trend of ND-EESI-MS for cosmetic analysis is also concisely discussed.