Microbiological contamination of cosmetics: sources of danger
A set of mandatory rules for maintaining the quality and functionality of cosmetic products
The increasing demand for natural cosmetics and the widespread declared refusal to use preservatives have been discussed in our materials more than once. However, despite the active discussion of this topic, many problems have not yet been fully resolved - in particular, the problem of antibacterial protection and storage of cosmetic preparations that allegedly do not contain preservatives.
As you know, cosmetic products are a multicomponent system that includes proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, water, minerals, surface-active substances, etc. Thanks to this, they become an excellent nutrient medium for the life of various pathogenic and saprophytic microorganisms.
When microbes get into them, cosmetic products lose their useful properties, but, in addition, they can acquire toxic ones, which, when applied to the skin, can provoke allergic reactions. Bacteria found in cosmetics can cause conjunctivitis, acne and other diseases.
The following microorganisms are mostly found in cosmetic products:
- bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus mycoides;
- fungi – Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp;
- yeast-like fungi - Candida albicans.
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