Abstract
Microbial tests are indispensable in the research, development and manufacturing of cosmetics in order to ensure the potency and quality of products. However, test methods generally used are complicated and time-consuming in getting judgment because relatively a long culture period is required. This is a very important subject in consideration of efficiency of the research, development and manufacturing.
In this article the recent advancement of simple and rapid bacterial test methods will be reviewed and their application to the research, development and manufacturing of cosmetics will be discussed with special reference to microbial calorimetric technique.