Evaluation of Alcohol Content of Cologne Products in the Turkish Market Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The World Health Organization and Turkish National Health Authorities advise the public to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash with soap and water for cleaning against the COVID-19 outbreak whilst Turkey was ready for this new situation from the beginning because of the widespread use of colognes. While the pandemic resulted in stockpiling and absence of related products, the industry responded fast by making fast production, but it has raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of these new products. Alcohol content of the cologne samples purchased from various daily supermarket stores in Turkish market were evaluated with Headspace - Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector (HS-GC-FID) to check and verify their safety for consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The headspace oven, loop, and transfer line temperatures were 130 °C, 135 °C, and 140 °C, respectively. The GC oven temperature program was hold at 50 °C for 10 min, increased at 10 °C/min to 220 °C for 5 min. Helium flow rate was 1 mL/min.  Injection and detector temperature were 140 °C, and 250 °C, respectively. Injection volume was 1 µL with the split ratio of 50:1. The ethanol content of the colognes is in a range of 37.9 – 98.9 % (w/w). The alcohol content of some of the products was observed as below the limit of Turkish Guideline for Cosmetic Products to be labelled as cologne. Therefore, the regulatory bodies should check the products more intensively or the regulations on cologne in pandemic can be revisited.