Comparison of Quantification Using UV-Vis, NMR, and HPLC Methods of Retinol-Like Bakuchiol Present in Cosmetic Products

Abstract

Retinoids are used in cosmetics as anti-aging ingredients, along with other substances. However, due to limitations in use (such as photodegradation), it seems necessary to look for retinoid alternatives to be applied in cosmetic products. Bakuchiol, a natural alternative of retinoids, isolated from Psolarea corylifolia, is one such compound. It has great cosmetic potential and its mechanism of action is not yet fully explored. From the point of view of the bioactive compound, it is also essential to develop a method for rapid quality control of cosmetic preparations containing bakuchiol. The aim of this study was to apply and compare methods for the quantification of bakuchiol in cosmetic products using UV-Vis, 1H qNMR, and HPLC. The results show the possibility of using the 1H NMR method in the routine quality control of cosmetics with bakuchiol because of its comparable results with HPLC analysis and significantly shorter analysis time.