Summary.

A variety of plant extracts rich in flavonoids and tannins are widely-used in different cosmetic products – regenerative and skin protection creams, toilet milks and emulsions, hair shampoos and conditioners, lotions and aftershaves etc. Flavonoids and tannins have potential beneficial effects on the skin and hair. In referent methods published for checking the composition of cosmetic products (Annex № 10 of the Ordinance № 36), no methods have been found for determination of flavonoids and tannins in cosmetic products. Therefore, the necessity of developing a method for the needs of control has been arisen. A spectrophotometric method was developed for the quantitation of flavonoids (like rutin) in cosmetic products, based on the interaction of rutin with 10% aqueous solution of ammonium molybdate. The compound formed has yellow colour, which is spectrophotometred at 360 nm wavelength. The proposed method is rapid, easy to be performed and does not require any sophisticated and expensive equipment. Thus, it can be used in the control of cosmetic products. A titrimetric method was developed for the quantitation of tanning extracts (tannins) based on color reaction between the tannins and an indicator (solution of indigo carmine) and the permanganate titration with 0,1 n (0,02 m) aqueous solution of potassium permanganate. The proposed method is rapid, easy to be performed, and does not require any complex and expensive equipment. Therefore, it can be used in the control of cosmetic products.