Spectral Analysis of Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens Using the Alliance™ iS HPLC System With Photodiode Array (PDA) Detector

App Note / Case Study

Published: August 27, 2025

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Waters Corporation

Waters application note on spectral analysis of broad-spectrum sunscreens using the Alliance iS HPLC system with PDA detector

Credit: Waters

In this application note, the Alliance iS HPLC System with Photodiode Array (PDA) Detector is shown to separate and identify compounds, determine spectral purity, and visualize UV absorptive regions for chemical UV filters used in sunscreen lotion formulations.

Benefits
- The Alliance iS HPLC System with PDA Detector consistently shows low carryover and high repeatability for peak retention time and area
- Empower™ Software, when paired with the Alliance iS HPLC System with PDA Detector, can determine peak purity in chromatographic separations
- Chemical UV filters in complex matrices are identified using Empower Software's PDA Library
- Contour and three-dimensional plots provide a visualization of UVC, UVB, UVA, and High-Energy Visible (HEV) blue light broad-spectrum absorbance for sunscreen compounds