Currently research in our labs is being conducted to develop methods for extracting and separating lipstick samples that are left on different mediums at the scene of a crime. If lipstick is left behind the chemical substituents within the lipstick can be separated into a unique set of bands. This set can then be compared to known separations of lipstick in order to determine the make and color. This could be very useful when initially determining suspects.<br/>Forty different lipsticks of various colors and brands were used to conduct research. A sample of lipstick was smeared onto filter paper and then placed into a test tube containing petroleum ether to remove waxes and oils. The filter paper was then placed into a separate test tube containing methanol-ammonium hydroxide; this solution was transferred to a glass vial to be heated. After the solution evaporated, leaving only dried dyes, methanol was added to the vial to re-dissolve the residue. The solution was then spotted onto a thin layer chromatography (TLC) plate and placed in a beaker containing ethyl acetate, methanol, and ammonium hydroxide to separate the components of the dyes. The dyes migrate up the TLC plate based on their retention factor, which is be unique to each lipstick.

Forensic discrimination of lipstick

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.