It includes the controls of the products, raw materials, packaging, personnel, equipment and preparation rooms. All microbiological controls should be conducted in order to ensure that the products do not contain pathogenic microorganisms. All contamination risks should be controlled.
Manufacturers of cosmetic products are obliged to manufacture according to the Guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices. Many aspects such as contaminated areas, raw materials, inadequate hygiene of production and staff affect the contamination during manufacturing.
Microbiological analyses can be evaluated under 2 headings;
Microbiological Control Test Challenge Test
Microbiological Control Test
Microbiological test is a mandatory analysis for cosmetic products.
Microorganisms, which should never be found in cosmetic products, are Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans and Escherichia coli.
Since different skin zones can have different sensitivities, two different categories have been defined for cosmetic products:
Category 1: Products for children under the age of 3, products applied to the eye area, products applied to mucous membranes, products not rinsed.
Category 2: Other products, rinsed products.
Quantitative limits:
Category 1: The total number of live aerobic mesophilic microorganisms (bacteria, yeast and mold) should not exceed 102 cfu/g or 102 cfu/ml.
Category 2: The total number of live aerobic mesophilic microorganisms should not exceed 103 cfu/g or 103 cfu/ml.
Qualitative limits:
Category 1: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans or Escherichia coli should not be found.
Category 2: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans or Escherichia coli should not be found.
Microbiological Analyses in Our Laboratories
Preservative Efficacy Test / Challenge Test
Total Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria
Total Yeast/Mold
Staphylococcus aureus
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Candida albicans
Escherichia coli
Sterility Test
Personnel Hygiene Control
Air/Environment Control
