Psoralen dosage

Psoralen analysis allows for the detection and quantification of this photosensitizing compound found in certain plants, plant extracts, and essential oils. Performed using HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) or LC-MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry), this analysis is essential for monitoring the safety of cosmetic and phytotherapeutic products exposed to UV light.

Psoralen: a natural furocoumarin with a risk of photosensitizing

Psoralen belongs to the furocoumarin , natural molecules found in several aromatic and medicinal plants such as:

• the fig (Ficus carica),
• celery ( Apium graveolens),
• parsley ,​
• lime ,​
• or certain Rutaceae (bergamot, bitter orange, angelica, etc.).

These compounds have a coumarin nucleus fused to a furan ring , giving them high reactivity under UV irradiation. In cosmetics or herbal medicine, they can induce phototoxic reactions when applied to the skin before sun exposure.

Psoralen and its derivatives (xanthotoxin, bergapten, isopsoralen) are therefore subject to strict regulatory limits in products intended for cutaneous use, including perfumes, essential oils or photosensitizing plant preparations.

Objectives and benefits of psoralen measurement

The psoralen assay aims to:

• to ensure the safety of cosmetic products by controlling the concentrations of photosensitizing furocoumarins,
• verify regulatory compliance (EC cosmetics regulation no. 1223/2009),
• to standardize plant extracts used in herbal medicine,
• identify the plant sources of risk in essential oil blends,
• prevent adverse skin reactions related to UV exposure.

The matrices in question include:

• plant extracts , powders and macerates,
• essential oils ( including bergamot, lemon, celery, angelica),
• cosmetic preparations ( creams, lotions, perfumes),
• Dietary supplements made from photosensitizing plants.

Analytical methods used

Psoralen is analyzed by HPLC-DAD (diode array detection) or LC-MS/MS , allowing for precise quantification even at low concentrations.

• HPLC-DAD : used for routine assay, this technique separates furocoumarins on a C18 column and detects their characteristic signals in the UV (310–320 nm).
• LC-MS/MS : offers superior specificity , allowing simultaneous identification of psoralen and its structural derivatives (bergapten, xanthotoxin, isopsoralen) in complex matrices.

The results are expressed in mg/kg or ppm , depending on the type of matrix and the applicable regulations.

This analysis can be combined with other complementary tests:

• Bergaptene (5-MOP) dosage,
• Xanthotoxin assay,
• Flavonoid assay by HPLC,
• Analysis of essential oils by GC-MS.

Industrial and regulatory applications

Psoralen measurement is required in several contexts:

• Cosmetics : control of photosensitizing essential oils used in creams, perfumes, massage oils, or hair care products. European regulations limit the total furocoumarin content to 1 mg/kg in leave-on products exposed to sunlight.
• Phytotherapy : standardization of plant extracts rich in furocoumarins (psoralea, angelica, celery) to guarantee a safe and reproducible composition.
• Agri-food and nutraceuticals : monitoring of potentially phototoxic plant ingredients used in supplements or functional drinks.
• Research and quality control : identification of furocoumarins in studies of plant composition, drug interactions or photoactive efficacy.

The analyses are often integrated into comprehensive quality control plans, including the verification of other families of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids , saponins or simple coumarins .

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab collaborates with partner laboratories specializing in the characterization of photosensitizing plant compounds . Analyses are performed using validated methods that comply with the requirements of ISO 17025 .

Each application is reviewed based on:

• of the matrix to be analyzed ,
• applicable regulatory thresholds ,
• and analytical objectives (compliance, R&D, quality control).

The analysis reports include measured concentrations, detected derivatives, and interpretive comments necessary for regulatory compliance.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers of cosmetics, natural products and food supplements in controlling their plant formulations and preventing phototoxic risks.

Thanks to its digital platform, requesting, tracking and receiving analysis results is simple and completely transparent.

Technical data

• Methods: HPLC-DAD, LC-MS/MS
• Expertise: Physicochemical, nutritional
• Sectors: Cosmetics, nutraceuticals, herbal medicine, aromatic plants
• Measured parameters: Psoralen and associated furocoumarins (bergapten, xanthotoxin, isopsoralen)
• Normative references: ISO 17025, Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, validated internal methods

For any specific request, contact our scientific team to obtain a personalized quote and technical support tailored to your products and regulatory constraints.