Microbiological purity of cosmetic and personal care products plays a key role in determining their safety. Microbiological tests help reduce the risk of potential harm. Therefore, manufacturers must maintain the microbiological quality of their products, as the industry is constantly exposed to challenges in developing safe, effective, and compliant products that meet both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.
Which tests confirm the microbiological purity of cosmetic products?
- EN ISO 16212 – enumeration of yeasts and molds in cosmetics
- EN ISO 21149 – general guidelines for the enumeration of microorganisms
- EN ISO 22718 – detection of Staphylococcus aureus in cosmetics
- EN ISO 22717 – detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cosmetics
- EN ISO 18416 – detection of Candida albicans in cosmetics
- EN ISO 21150 – detection of Escherichia coli in cosmetics
In our laboratory, we perform accredited microbiological analyses of cosmetic products in accordance with EN ISO methods.
How do we verify the effectiveness of preservatives in a cosmetic product?
The challenge test (preservative efficacy test) confirms that the preservatives used protect the cosmetic product from the growth of harmful microorganisms and secondary contamination during use. The test involves deliberate inoculation of the cosmetic matrix with strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus brasiliensis, and monitoring the reduction in microbial counts over time.
In our laboratory, challenge tests are performed in accordance with:
- EN ISO 11930:2019-03 (accredited test)
- Eur. 5.1.3. (European Pharmacopoeia method)
- S&M Koko Test method
The challenge test is conducted at different stages of production and storage:
- during product development (to determine the appropriate preservative system),
- during production (to confirm that the manufacturing process does not negatively affect the stability and effectiveness of preservatives),
- to protect the cosmetic product in case of unexpected contamination during production or consumer use,
- to evaluate the effectiveness of preservatives against environmental strains that pose a microbiological risk.
Contact us for more information and an offer.