Analysis of nonionic surfactants and silicone polymers in cosmetic products using Matrix - assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of- flight Mass Spectrometry

A rapid and efficient method for analyzing the nonionic surfactants and silicone polymers, which control the shape and characteristics of cosmetic products and give influence on product quality, has been developed using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI- TOF IMS). The MALDI-TOF/MS could easily and effectively determine the molecular weight distribution and monomer units of nonionic surfactants. As a result, creating a library of mass spectrum data of surfactants used in cosmetic products using MALDI-TOF/MS and analyzing surfactants extracted from the products may become a useful method for detailed structural characterization of the surfactants. Furthermore, the MALDI-TOF/MS analysis was effective in obtaining the spectrum of silicone polymers from which the molecular weight distribution could be determined. The repetition units and structural data could also be obtained through molecular mass peaks. Additionally, the monomer ratio and terminal groups as properties of silicone copolymers could be determined