Forensic analysis on lipstick trace by using thin-layer chromatography

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to perfonn chromatographic analysis of red pigment in different well-known and local brands of lipsticks. Lipstick samples of different brands from volunteers were selected for this study. Colouring agent was analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) using different solvent systems. It is hypothesized that through thin layer chromatography analysis of the red pigment in these different brands will provide no characteristic data to distinguish among lipstick sources. There is no significant difference in the Rf values among the lipsticks which can be used as unique feature.