DEVELOPMENT OF A RAPID COLORIMETRIC PAPER-BASED TEST KIT FOR ON-SITE SCREENING OF PARABENS IN COSMETIC AND HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS

Authors

  • Vu Van Tuan Dai Nam University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6155-167X
  • Tran My Linh DCL Medi-Pharma
  • Bui Tran Huy Lam Experimental School of Education Science
  • Nguyen Hong Tuan Khai Experimental School of Education Science
  • Dao Thi Huyen Experimental School of Education Science

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v22.n4.3672

Keywords:

Parabens, Colorimetric Detection, Paper-based Sensor, Ferric Chloride, Rapid Screening

Abstract

Parabens, a class of synthetic esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, are extensively used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, raising growing concerns about their potential endocrine-disrupting effects and cumulative exposure risks. This study aimed to develop a rapid, low-cost, and user-friendly paper-based colorimetric kit for the on-site detection of parabens. Two chromogenic systems—Fast Blue RR diazonium coupling and ferric ion (Fe³⁺) complexation—were compared; the FeCl₃ system was selected for its superior color intensity and stability. Reaction conditions were optimized for solvent composition, reagent ratio, concentration, and pH, yielding the best performance at 10% FeCl₃ in 20% ethanol, pH 8.0, and a 1:10 reagent-to-analyte ratio. The optimized dipstick produced a visible purple color within 1 minute, with a detection limit of 0.2% and color stability for approximately 16 minutes. The kit demonstrated high selectivity with minimal matrix interference and was successfully applied to 25 commercial samples, detecting parabens in 16% of products, primarily cosmetics. Although less sensitive than advanced chromatographic or electrochemical methods, the proposed FeCl₃-based paper strip offers a practical, rapid screening tool for preliminary quality control and field surveillance, particularly in resource-limited settings.

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Published

2025-11-25

How to Cite

Tuan, V. V., Linh, T. M., Lam, B. T. H., Khai, N. H. T., & Huyen, D. T. (2025). DEVELOPMENT OF A RAPID COLORIMETRIC PAPER-BASED TEST KIT FOR ON-SITE SCREENING OF PARABENS IN COSMETIC AND HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. Veredas Do Direito, 22, e223672. https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v22.n4.3672

Issue

Vol. 22 (2025): Veredas do Direito, v. 22, 2025

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Articles

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