Work

Microbial Contamination in Cosmetic Products

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: European legislation defines cosmetics as substances or mixtures designed to contact external body parts for cleaning, protection, fragrance, maintenance, or appearance modification. Cosmetic regulation has become increasingly important in recent years, as the number of consumers continues to grow. One of the major challenges of the cosmetic industry is effectively communicating to consumers the critical need to avoid using expired products for several safety reasons, with microbial contamination being among the most significant concerns. A key research priority involves understanding how bacterial and fungal populations commonly proliferate within cosmetic formulations. Regulatory standards strictly prohibit specific microorganisms in finished cosmetic products, as specified in EMA guidelines, making microbiological assessment an essential component of product evaluation. This review examines the prevalence, risks, and control measures associated with microbial contamination in cosmetic products. Special attention is given to the most isolated microorganisms, factors contributing to contamination, and current preservation strategies in the cosmetic industry.
Source: Cosmetics
Language: English
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W4414093774
FWCI: 14.78
Cites: 49
Cited by: 18
Related to: 10