This monograph includes the problem of microbial contamination of cosmetics, as well as the practical methods used for the microbiological control of cosmetics.
The microbial contamination was discussed separately as primary (contamination of the product itself) and secondary contamination (contamination by the consumer)
Author has reservations on the application of bacteriological standards for cosmetics at this time, however author's temporary proposal for then is as follows;
Viable aerobic count: less than 100 bacteria/ml or gram.
Pathogenic bacteria: not detected.
None of the preservatives commonly used in cosmetics to-day is universally active against all kinds of microorganisms. Therefore, preservatives should be used only for the prevention of secondary contamination.
Auther tried to examine antimicrobial spectrum of some preservatives now commonly used in cosmetics. The results are shown in the table.
The readily applicable methods as a quality control produce to determine the total aerobic counts and pathogenic bacteria were described. In conclusion, it seems to author that a more logical approach and goal at this time is the production of cosmetics under controlled conditions to assuer maximum sanitation.
