Cosmetics microbiology testing is important to ensure the product safety and compliance of cosmetics with industry standards. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of cosmetics for consumer use, such as the absence of harmful microorganisms, which can be harmful bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. Cosmetics do not have to be sterile, but they must have a preservative system strong enough to take care of harmful microbial contamination. Cosmetic microbiology testing, preservative efficacy testing, shelf life testing, and general microbial identification must be performed for a cosmetic to enter the market.
Manufacturers must conduct microbiology testing to ensure they’re safe to use when stored according to directions on product labeling. The presence of microorganisms can cause spoilage or even chemical changes that can be potentially harmful.
Some ways that cosmetics products may be contaminated include:
- being made using contaminated ingredients
- made under poor manufacturing conditions
- using ingredients that encourage the growth of microorganisms
- incorrect packaging
- poor shipping and/or storage conditions
Some microorganisms that can cause problems include Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in eye products such as creams, shadows, and liners.
For more information about these opportunities and many others, register your Cosmetics Microbiology Laboratory or Contact Us for more information.
If your organization needs cosmetics microbiology testing or research, submit a cosmetics microbiology test request free online.
