Collection and characterisation of residual skin surface components obtained from sebum, sweat and epidermal lipids

Collection and analysis of skin surface lipids or sebum has been reported in several previous studies where Sebutape™, polyurethane foam, cigarette paper and organic solvents were used to acquire samples, analysis of which was performed by thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography and infra-red spectroscopy. However, there is great variation in the reported quantity of sebum present on the skin surface as well as its composition