Development and methodological evaluation for the separation and quantification of Galaxolide versus Versalide in complex cosmetic matrices

Synthetic musks, widely used in cosmetics, have raised safety and environmental concerns, leading to bans on certain compounds. One such substance, Versalide (AETT), was banned under EU Cosmetic Regulation EC 1223/2009 due to risks of neurotoxicity and environmental persistence. Despite the ban, it is still found in counterfeit cosmetics, often substituted for the structurally similar and legally permitted Galaxolide. To address this issue, a specialized GC/MS method is needed to rapidly and accurately identify and quantify both substances in complex cosmetic products.