MICROBIOLOGICAL SPECIFICATION
According to the European regulation on cosmetic products (EC 1223/2009), regular testing of the microbiological suitability of new cosmetic products is required to ensure their safety and quality.
Due to the potential contamination of the product during manufacture or use, microbiological testing is required to ensure that the cosmetic product maintains its microbiological quality during the intended shelf life. Each batch of product must be tested to exclude microbiological contamination and the presence of dangerous pathogens that exceed specified limits.
P. aeruginosa, S. Aureus, E. Coli and Candida albicans are the main potential microorganisms whose presence in detectable quantities in the cosmetic product is undesirable.
The microbiological tests are carried out in accordance with the applicable international standards and include:
- Total aerobic plate count
- Number of yeasts and moulds
- Test for pathogens:
Staphylococcus aureus
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Candida albicans
Escherichia coli
CHALLENGE TEST
Challenge test or microbiological testing to check the effectiveness of the preservatives (PET) is another microbiological test that is used to ensure the microbiological stability and quality of the cosmetic product during its shelf-life.
The test is based on monitoring the presence of various pathogens in the cosmetic product:
Staphylococcus aureus
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Candida albicans
Escherichia coli
Aspergillus brasiliensis
From the microbiological point of view, a product is safe to use only if the preservative is effective according to the established standards. If the properties of the cosmetic products are unfavourable for the growth of microorganisms, especially in the case of products with very low water content or higher alcohol content, the test does not need to be performed.
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