Determination of Water Content in Moisturizer Using Karl Fischer Titration

General Information Concerning the Product Group

Cosmetics

Cosmetics on an aqueous and alcoholic basis can be titrated without problems according to the Karl Fischer (KF) method. Due to the often high water concentration of the emulsions small samples are required. The accuracy of analysis is determined through exact sampling, weighing and adding. The coulometric method is unsuitable for most emulsions. Fatty and oily preparations are insoluble in methanolic KF solvents and require the addition of a solubiliser, or respectively titration with specific KF solvents for oils and fats.

Special Information Concerning the Sample and the Methods

Moisturizer is partially soluble in methanolic KF solvents and can be titrated following standard methods with one- or two-component reagents. In some cases the addition of solubilizers or the use of KF solvents for oils and fats may be necessary. The coulometric method is not suitable.

Titration One Component System

Reagents:

Titrant
188005 Aquastar^® - CombiTitrant 5 - One component reagent for volumetric Karl Fischer titration, 1 mL = approx. 5 mg water
or
188002 Aquastar^® - CombiTitrant 2 - One component reagent for volumetric Karl Fischer titration, 1 mL = approx. 2 mg water

Solvent
50 mL 188020 Aquastar^® - CombiSolvent oils - Solvent for volumetric Karl Fischer titration with one component reagents for oils
or
50 mL 188021 Aquastar^® - CombiColvent fats - Solvent for volumetric Karl Fischer titration with one component reagents for fats

Titration Parameters:
Default titration settings, e.g.: I(pol) = 20 - 50 µA, U(EP) = 100 - 250 mV
Stop criterion: drift < 20 µL/min

Sample Size: approx. 0.03 g

Procedure:
The titration medium is first placed into the titration cell and dried by means of the titrant. Then the sample is added with a syringe without hollow needle (exact sample weight determination by weighing of syringe before and after injection) and the titration is started.

Titration Two Component System

Reagents:

Titrant
188010 Aquastar^® - Titrant 5 - Titrant for volumetric titration with two component reagents, 1 mL = approx. 5 mg water
or
188011 Aquastar^® - Titrant 2 - Titrant for volumetric titration with two component reagents, 1 mL = approx. 2 mg water

Solvent
50 mL 188015 Aquastar^® - Solvent - Solvent for volumetric titration with two component reagents

Titration Parameters:
Default titration settings, e.g.: I(pol) = 20 - 50 µA, U(EP) = 100 - 250 mV
Stop criterion: drift < 20 µL/min

Sample Size: approx. 0.03g

Procedure:
The titration medium is first placed into the titration cell and dried by means of the titrant. Then the sample is added with a syringe without hollow needle (exact sample weight determination by weighing of syringe before and after injection) and the titration is started.