This document specifies an analytical procedure for direct determination of traces of mercury in finished cosmetic products by thermal decomposition – atomic absorption spectrometry (mercury analyser).

This document aims to provide a procedure of quantification of mercury traces in cosmetic products that consumers can be exposed to in their usage. This method describes the determination of mercury traces in cosmetics by direct solid analysis with no need of prior digestion. Total mercury (both inorganic and organic species) can be quantified either in solid or liquid samples.