Microbiological purity and challenge testing

Microbiological purity of cosmetics and personal care products play a key role to determine their safety, therefore manufacturers need to maintain the microbiological quality of their products. Microbiological purity testing services helps to maintain this quality, as the cosmetics industry is constantly challenged to develop safe, effective, and compliant products that meets the requirements of both- legislation and consumers.

We offer accredited testing for identification of microorganisms in accordance with the following requirements:

• EN ISO 21149 – aerobic mesophilic bacteria count
• EN ISO 22718 – detection of Staphylococcus aureus in cosmetics
• EN ISO 22717 – detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cosmetics
• EN ISO 18416 – detection of Candida albicans in cosmetics
• EN ISO 21150 – detection of Escherichia coli in cosmetics
• EN ISO 16212 – enumeration of yeast and mould in cosmetics

Challenge testing determines the ability of the preservatives to protect cosmetic and prevent spoilage during normal and reasonably foreseeable product use.

J.S. Hamilton laboratories perform challenge testing in accordance with the following international standards:

• International Standard ISO 11930
• European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Chapters 5.1.3
• The Schülke Koko Test

Preservative effectiveness testing is recommended at various production stages and to ensure microbiological stability during storage and usage.