MARCH 2016 • Vol. 22 No. 3
New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists
www.nyscc.org
The Control and Examination of the Microbial Content of Processing Water used in Cosmetic Preparations …by Joseph Albanese
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etting up a complete quality assurance program for the microbiological content of cosmetics is an enduring task. Since so many products are water based, the program must place emphasis on the control and inspection of processing water. It is well documented that water is a major source of bacterial contamination in cosmetics.1-4 A technical understanding of a system for the control of processing water is essential for the microbiologist. This article is mainly concerned with this aspect of the microbiological quality assurance of cosmetics. In order to set up a program for the microbiological quality assurance of cosmetics, the microbiologist must know the FDA regulations and Personal Care Product Council guidelines for cosmetics. A system that will assure the quality of processing water must be properly designed. For that purpose, knowledge of the effectiveness of ultraviolet light and how it works to destroy microbes is important. Methods of enumerating and identifying bacteria must be readily available to the cosmetic microbiologist.
Introduction The cosmetic microbiologist must perform quality control measurements on finished products for bacterial contamination before releasing them for retail. This is necessary to prevent spoilage of the product, the possible spread of disease, and noncompliance with federal and self-imposed regulations. Product spoilage in the forms of altered pH, separated emulsions, created malodors and discoloration, fungal growths, etc. can be the results of microbes growing and metabolizing in cosmetic products. This loss of aesthetic appeal can lead to product recalls and significant economic losses. Pathogenic bacteria isolated from cosmetics have proven to be etiological agents of disease. Lotions applied to injured skin of burn victims have even produced disease.1,4,5 It has even been shown
that mascaras contaminated with bacteria produce injury to the eyes.1,5,6 Companies have a moral responsibility to ensure that their product does not harm the consumer. Such unfortunate events may result in costly litigation and damage to the company’s public image. The FDA compliance program for the microbial control of cosmetics states that: 1. All gram-positive microorganisms present in cosmetic products at levels greater than 1000 per gram must be identified. 2. All gram-negative isolates from cosmetic products are to be identified at any level as to genus and species.1 The FDA’s laws controlling cosmetics are few and the agency’s authority to regulate these products is limited.7 However, FDA inspectors do check to ensure that proper tests are performed for microbiological contamination on all susceptible raw materials. They also inspect production facilities to certify that all equipment coming in contact with the product is cleaned and sanitized as necessary. Not surprisingly, federal regulations regarding microbial content are more rigorous for drugs than for cosmetics. Therefore, (Continued on page 2)
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