# Multiapproach Analysis Combined with Chemometrics for the Authentication of Commercial Oils of Croton tiglium (L.)

## TL;DR

This study uses a combination of analytical techniques and chemometrics to verify the authenticity of commercial Croton tiglium seed oils, which are used in dermatological treatments.

## Contribution

The study introduces a multiapproach quality control method combined with chemometrics for authenticating commercial Croton tiglium oil products.

## Key findings

- Three commercial oil samples failed to meet standard organoleptic and chemical criteria.
- One sample had low levels of phorbol esters, a key chemical marker.
- Chemometric analysis effectively distinguished authentic from potentially adulterated samples.

## Abstract

Background:
Croton tiglium (L.) seed oil (CO)
is the main component of a formula used in deep
chemical peeling at dermatologist offices around the world. The phorbol
esters present in CO are responsible for pro-inflammatory effects
and new collagen production. However, concerns have been raised about
the authenticity of commercially available oils labeled and sold as
CO, due to the potential lack of quality in many products resulting
from the challenging extraction process and high production costs. Objective: This study proposed a multiapproach quality control
analysis combined with chemometrics evaluation to verify the authenticity
of commercial CO products. Methods: As an initial screening
step, organoleptic analyses of 10 commercial CO samples were performed
to assess visual characteristics followed by nuclear magnetic resonance,
high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and liquid chromatography-mass
spectrometry techniques to evaluate the chemical profiles and chemometrics
analysis to classify and corroborate the authenticity of the evaluated
samples. Results: Three samples failed to exhibit the
standard organoleptic characteristics and CO chemical fingerprint,
while one showed a low phorbol ester (chemical marker) concentration.
Chemometric analysis allowed the discrimination of sample groups based
on their chemical similarity, highlighting its effectiveness in distinguishing
authenticity from potential adulterated or nonstandard products. Conclusion: The analysis demonstrated that the association
of the proposed techniques together with chemometric data can ensure
the authenticity of the CO commercial products used in dermatological
areas as the active component on deep peeling formulas and can be
used as a protocol for evaluation of CO commercial products by suppliers
or industries.