Cosmetic products potentially at microbiological risk

Most cosmetic products are sensitive to microbial proliferation, especially due to their water-rich composition, storage at room temperature, and repeated use.

Microbial contamination of a cosmetic product can pose serious health risks to consumers.

This bacterial proliferation can also cause product deterioration, resulting in changes in its physicochemical characteristics: color, texture, odor...

To prevent any microbial growth, a preservative is added to the formulation. However, as it is difficult to predict the antimicrobial efficacy of a preservative, the challenge test is required.

The Challenge Test

The Challenge Test is currently the reference method for evaluating the effectiveness of a preservative in antimicrobial protection of the cosmetic product.

It consists of testing a cosmetic product by exposing it to well-defined concentrations of microorganisms initially involved in the contamination of the finished product.

The microorganisms that must be used for the Challenge Test are:

• Escherichia coli
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Candida albicans
• Aspergillus brasiliensis

Advantages:

• Market launch of a safe product for the consumer
• Compliance with existing regulations
• Verification of product safety and stability
• Applicable to all categories of cosmetics

Cosmetic products with low microbiological risk

The Challenge Test does not apply to cosmetic products considered to have low microbiological risk due to their physicochemical characteristics, as listed in the table below:

The TTS Laboratory

With expertise and a team of specialists, TTS offers you the Challenge Test for all your cosmetic products, quickly and at a fair price.

With TTS, embrace innovation and ensure quality!

Contact: For more information about the Challenge Test, you can reach us at: jia@ttesting.org