Analysis of dipotassium glycyrrhizate and Tranexamic acid

Significance of Topic

The accurate determination of dipotassium glycyrrhizate and tranexamic acid is crucial for quality control in cosmetic formulations where these compounds serve as anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening agents. Robust analytical methods ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and batch-to-batch consistency.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note outlines the development of a rapid, sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for simultaneous quantification of dipotassium glycyrrhizate (GK2) and tranexamic acid (TA) in cosmetic samples. The goal is to achieve clear separation, reliable detection, and reproducible results within a short analysis time.

Methodology

The method employs a Shim-pack VP-ODS column (150 mm×4.6 mm I.D., 5 µm) with a binary gradient:

• Mobile phase A: 100 mM NaClO₄ in 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 2.6
• Mobile phase B: 100 mM NaClO₄ in acetonitrile
• Gradient program: 2% B at 0 min, linear to 90% B from 9.00 to 12.00 min, return to 2% B from 12.01 to 15.00 min
• Flow rate: 1.0 mL/min
• Column temperature: 40 °C
• Injection volume: 5 µL
• Detection: Photodiode array at 250 nm for GK2 and 220 nm for TA

Used Instrumentation

• Shimadzu i-Series LC-2050C 3D system
• Shim-pack VP-ODS analytical column
• SHIMADZU LabTotal™ 1.5 mL glass vials for LC

Main Results and Discussion

The developed method achieved baseline separation of GK2 and TA within 7.5 minutes. Chromatograms show well-defined, symmetrical peaks at their respective detection wavelengths. Retention time repeatability was better than 0.1 min, and peak area reproducibility met typical precision criteria for routine analysis. The sharp elution profile and minimal baseline drift demonstrate method robustness under the specified gradient conditions.

Practical Benefits and Applications

• Rapid throughput suitable for routine QC in cosmetic laboratories
• Minimal sample preparation reduces analysis time and solvent consumption
• High sensitivity and selectivity enable accurate monitoring of key active ingredients

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements may include coupling with mass spectrometry for enhanced specificity, adoption of greener mobile phases, method miniaturization for microflow HPLC, and integration into automated high-throughput platforms for large-scale cosmetic screening.

Conclusion

The presented RP-HPLC method provides a fast, reliable, and reproducible approach for simultaneous quantification of dipotassium glycyrrhizate and tranexamic acid in cosmetic products, addressing key requirements for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

References

1. Application News an_01-00538 (JP), Shimadzu Corporation, First Edition Sep. 2023.