Electrochemical sensors for the safety and quality control of cosmetics: An overview of achievements and challenges

Abstract

Due to the rapid growth of the cosmetic industry in recent years, the development of new, reliable, cost-effective, ease of use and rapid methods to assay cosmetics’ quality is of particular importance. Modern electrochemistry provides powerful analytical techniques with excellent sensitivity, instrumental simplicity and portability, providing reliable alter­natives to conventional analytical methods. This review aims to give readers a clear view of advances in areas of electrode modification, successful strategies for signal amplification, and miniaturization techniques used in electro­analytical devices for cosmetics control and safety. We have summarized recent trends in the nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor sys­tems applied in the analysis of cosmetic products revealing that there are a variety of ef­ficient sensors for whitening agents, preservatives, UV filters, heavy metals, etc. In con­clu­sion, current challenges related to the sensors design and future perspectives are outlined.