23
COSMETIC MICROBIOLOGY What is a cosmetic? Cosmetics refer to articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance. Most cosmetics do not pose a health risk when the directions on the label are followed and when the product is used properly. However, contamination of cosmetics – during the production process – can cause adverse effects in certain individuals with sensitivities. These effects range from infections to severe allergic reactions. Cosmetics and toiletries are in daily use to cleanse, perfume, beautify or decorate the human body. They are mainly applied to the skin or hair, but some, such as toothpastes and mouthwashes, are also used internally. Cosmetics are not intended to permanently alter the physiology of the target organ, although some ‘healthcare’ products may contain an active substance or make medicinal claims. These include cosmetics that help with conditions such as dandruff, spots and poor gum health. The microbiology of cosmetics is therefore complex due to the wide range of formulations, manufacturing procedures and conditions of consumer use. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) should ensure that products, whilst not necessarily sterile, contain no harmful organisms and that the benign population is of a low and stable order and/or declines over the product lifetime. However, it is still necessary to add chemical preservatives to cosmetics to suppress the proliferation of the micro- organisms which almost inevitably get into them after manufacture. Since micro-organisms are ever present in the home, especially in warm, moist areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, cosmetics and toiletries are exposed to contamination with both spoilage and potentially hazardous micro-organisms during their use. Although we live in equilibrium with a wide range of microbes, confirmed reports do exist of contaminated cosmetic products causing infections. http://www.iso.org/iso/pressrelease.htm?refid=Ref1069 1

Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

COSMETIC MICROBIOLOGY

What is a cosmetic?

Cosmetics refer to articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance. Most cosmetics do not pose a health risk when the directions on the label are followed and when the product is used properly. However, contamination of cosmetics – during the production process – can cause adverse effects in certain individuals with sensitivities. These effects range from infections to severe allergic reactions.

Cosmetics and toiletries are in daily use to cleanse, perfume, beautify or decorate the human body. They are mainly applied to the skin or hair, but some, such as toothpastes and mouthwashes, are also used internally. Cosmetics are not intended to permanently alter the physiology of the target organ, although some ‘healthcare’ products may contain an active substance or make medicinal claims. These include cosmetics that help with conditions such as dandruff, spots and poor gum health. The microbiology of cosmetics is therefore complex due to the wide range of formulations, manufacturing procedures and conditions of consumer use.

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) should ensure that products, whilst not necessarily sterile, contain no harmful organisms and that the benign population is of a low and stable order and/or declines over the product lifetime. However, it is still necessary to add chemical preservatives to cosmetics to suppress the proliferation of the micro-organisms which almost inevitably get into them after manufacture. Since micro-organisms are ever present in the home, especially in warm, moist areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, cosmetics and toiletries are exposed to contamination with both spoilage and potentially hazardous micro-organisms during their use. Although we live in equilibrium with a wide range of microbes, confirmed reports do exist of contaminated cosmetic products causing infections.

http://www.iso.org/iso/pressrelease.htm?refid=Ref1069

What do cosmetics contain?

Most cosmetics contain a combination of at least some of the following ingredients: water, emulsifier, preservative, thickener, color, fragrance and pH stabilizers.

Emulsifiers

Many cosmetic products are based on emulsions – small droplets of oil dispersed in water or small droplets of water dispersed in oil. Since oil and water don't mix, emulsifiers are added to produce the small droplets and to prevent the oil and water phases from separating. Emulsifiers work by changing the surface tension between the water and the oil, thus producing a homogeneous product with an even texture.

Preservatives

1

Page 2: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Preservatives are added to cosmetics to prevent the growth of microorganisms (eg, bacteria and fungi), which can spoil the product and possibly harm the user. Preservatives used in cosmetics can include parabens, benzyl alcohol and tetrasodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid).

Thickeners

Thickening agents such as polymers are often added to cosmetics to change their consistency. Polymers can be synthetic (eg, polyethylene glycol) or derived from natural sources (eg, polysaccharides). Seaweeds are a common source of natural polysaccharides – carrageenans are extracted from red algae and alginates from brown algae. Cosmetics that are too thick can be diluted with solvents such as water or alcohol.

Fragrances, colours and pH stabilisers

The ingredient list of a cosmetic product might also include chemicals that give a pleasant smell to the product, provide an appealing colour, or adjust the pH (the acidity).

http://www.science.org.au/nova/083/083key.htm

Why you need cosmetic preservatives?

A recent discovery of bacteria in hairsprays provides a good example of why cosmetic products need to be preserved. Microbes can grow almost anywhere! And these tiny organisms bring with them some distasteful product changes or even disease. As a cosmetic chemist it’s up to you to formulate properly and keep these invaders at bay. You typically do that by adding preservatives to your formulas. Unfortunately, you’ll have to know more than just the science as preservatives are some of the most highly regulated and restricted ingredients you will use.

There are two primary reasons you need preservatives.

1. To stop microbes from spoiling your products.2. To stop microbes from causing disease.

The microbes that can infect your formulas primarily include bacteria, mold, and yeast. In small quantities they don’t represent much of a problem but when they multiply, look out. Bacteria like Pseudomonas can cause all kinds of health problems including skin and eye infections, toxic shock, strep throat, and even food poisoning. Yeast like Candida albicans can cause thrush. And many other bacteria can cause your products to smell awful, change color or otherwise break down. (This is what stability testing is for).

2

Page 3: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Principles of product preservation

Product preservation has two functions: one is to inhibit spoilage organisms and the other is to prevent the growth of potential pathogens. None of us would appreciate a cosmetic product with a foul odor, traces of mould or ingredients which had separated/degraded due to microbiological contamination. More importantly, any product which posed a potential health risk would rightly be unacceptable to the public. Whilst preservatives are selected because they are toxic to micro-organisms, they are also required to be safe for human exposure to the products into which they are incorporated. Whatever the method or ingredient employed, the manufacturer seeks preservation at the lowest level consistent with the inhibition of microbial contamination. This has to maintain product integrity whilst ensuring safety in use for the consumer, repeatedly and for the life of the product. The preservative efficacy of a formulation cannot be predicted and has to be established by empirical microbial challenge, since the activity of the preservative is dependent on the effect of individual ingredients and the packaging in which it is stored. Considerable scientific/technical effort and money is invested in reducing the risk of microbial contamination of cosmetics. The manufacturer has the ultimate responsibility for assessing the risk of using an ingredient compared with the potential benefits to be obtained. It is now generally recognized that the incorporation of a preservative system within a product is necessary and should be a primary consideration rather than an afterthought. Ingredients are increasingly selected in conjunction with perceived consumer desires as well as those of the manufacturer and the legislator. The advent of ‘green’ and ‘natural’ products has led to apparent consumer pressure for preservative-free products. Such cosmetics contain multi-functional additives which are not included primarily for their antimicrobial activity and which may only impart partial microbial stability. ‘Preservative-free’ may result in a reduced ability to prevent contamination with microorganisms over the anticipated lifetime of a product.

There are currently no internationally agreed standards for microbial preservation of cosmetics owing to the range of organisms, multiplicity of products and diversity of storage conditions.

The following is a list of common preservatives used in cosmetic and personal care products. As a future (or current) formulator, you will undoubtedly be using many of them.

ParabensParabens are the most commonly used preservatives. They are derivatives of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and go by names like Methylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben. They are typically supplied as powders and can sometimes be difficult to incorporate into a system due to the water solubility limitations. They are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. They do have pH limitations and are not effective against all microbes so you usually will need an additional preservative.

3

Page 4: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Formaldehyde donorsFormaldehyde derivatives are the next most common preservative. These compounds interfere with membrane proteins which kills microbes. They are effective against bacteria, fungi, and mold. Bad press and real safety concerns have led cosmetic chemists to stop using formaldehyde. Instead ingredients that dissociate into formaldehyde when put in a water solution are used. These are compounds like DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, and Gluteraldehyde. They are most often used in surfactant systems.

Phenol derivativesPhenol derivatives have been used in cosmetics for many years and can be effective against a range of microbes. Unfortunately, they are not as effective as the previous ingredients so their use is limited. The most common examples is Phenoxyethanol.

QuatsCompounds that contain nitrogen and have a positive charge when placed in solution are called quaternary compounds (or quats). Many of them demonstrate an ability to kill microbes. This include ingredients like Benzalkonium Chlroide, Methene aommonium chloride, and Benzethonium chloride. Their cationic nature makes them less compatible with anionic surfactants which limit their application & use.

AlcoholEthanol is a great preservative but you need to use it in high levels and it faces significant environmental restrictions. Other compounds like benzyl alcohol, dichlorobenzyl alcohol, and even propylene glycol all have some anti-microbial effect. In lower levels, these compounds are less effective at preserving products.

IsothiazolonesSynthetic compounds like Methylchloro- Isothiazolinone and Methyl-Isothiazolinone are effective at incredibly low levels. They have been shown to work at a wide range of pHs and in many different formulas. There use has been stymied however, by at least one study that suggested it could cause skin sensitization.

Organic Acids & OthersVarious other compounds are used as preservatives but all face some limitations not experienced to the same extent as the previous ingredients discussed. Some of the most important include Sodium Benzoate, Chloracetamide, Triclosan, and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate. Pyridine derivatives like Sodium pyrithione and zinc pyrithione are used to kill the bacteria that causes dandruff.http://chemistscorner.com/how-to-prevent-contamination-in-cosmetic-products/

4

Page 5: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Why cosmetic preservatives are vilified?

More than any other ingredient, preservatives are most often called out as the worst ingredients you can use in a formula. Even people who know nothing about chemistry have likely heard about the “evil” parabens and formaldehyde.

Preservatives are designed to kill cells. That’s why they are effective. Unfortunately, that’s also why they are potentially hazardous. They don’t easily discriminate between good human cells and bad microbial cells. But ultimately, the risk from using preservatives is significantly lower than that of using unpreserved cosmetics. There are safe levels of “toxic” chemicals. Remember, it’s the dose the matters!

Some unintended effects of chemicals found in cosmetics

Unfortunately, sometimes the ingredients in cosmetics can have unintended side-effects. For example, skin allergies (allergic dermatitis) to specific ingredients can be a problem. Allergies to cosmetic products can be due to chemicals such as added fragrances and preservatives. This can lead to a skin rash where the product is applied. If you think you may be allergic to a cosmetic product, it is important to determine which ingredients may be causing the problem. A specialised allergy test, called a patch test, may be helpful in this. Chemicals causing the allergy can then be avoided by reading product labels. Other people, while not allergic to a specific ingredient, may nevertheless find that a product irritates their skin because it damages the outer layers - a condition known as irritant dermatitis.

Exfoliants and skin peels leave the skin underneath temporarily more vulnerable to sun exposure because they remove the outermost protective layer of dead skin cells. Over-washing of hair or skin with soaps and detergents can strip the skin’s natural protective oily layer, resulting in dry and scaly skin. Alternatively, excessive use of make-up or oily moisturisers can block pores and aggravate acne.

More serious side effects have been suggested for certain cosmetic ingredients. For example, a recent study was published that linked breast cancer with deodorants. The focus of the study was on parabens, a class of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in deodorants and antiperspirants. While parabens were found in breast cancer tissue, the study did not establish that they were the source of the cancer nor did it identify underarm cosmetics as the source of the chemicals.

The growing skepticism of consumers regarding the safety of chemical preservatives in combination with the fact that long-lasting skin health is often associated with the use of natural ingredients has led the cosmetics industry to seek alternative approaches for cosmetics preservation. An approach to acheive preservative-free cosmetics is the selection of natural compounds that have been characterised as safe and effective against microorganisms, in order to decrease or to eliminate the use of the traditional chemical preservatives and to formulate cosmetics with improved dermocosmetic properties, i.e., lower skin irritation and/or contact sensitisation. A number of well-known plant-derived essential oils and extracts have exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties; thus, they have been used for the effective

5

Page 6: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

preservation of cosmetic formulations. Among others, derivatives of Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula officinalis, Pteronia incana, Artemisia afra, Thymus vulgaris, Eucalyptus globulus, Laurus nobilis, Salvia officinalis, and Melaleuca alternifolia have been reported to be effective natural preservatives.

We have to keep in mind that the chemical composition of fragrances plays a key role concerning the antimicrobial activity of essential oils and the extracts obtained from natural sources. Various aldehydes and alcohols, i.e., aromatic and aliphatic compounds, or terpenes and organic acids, are among the most active compounds. In the past, a fragrance mixture that mainly consisted of benzyl acetate, phenethyl alcohol, and linalool had been proposed as an alternative preservative in order to reduce the amount of parabens used in cosmetic formulations.

http://www.personalcaremagazine.com/Story.aspx?Story=8736

A blurry future for Botox?

The cosmetic use of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) to remove wrinkles might face an uncertain future. Produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, BoNTs are among the most deadly natural toxins known; they interfere with the release of neurotransmitters—mainly acetylcholine—at the junction of nerves and muscles. These paralysing properties have been exploited to treat a range of serious pathological conditions such as cervical dystonia (severe neck muscle spasms), facial spasticity and strabismus (abnormal aligning of the eyes), and, more recently, to reduce facial wrinkles.

Until now, the use of BoNTs for cosmetic purposes—under the brand and popular name Botox—had been considered safe, in large part because it was assumed that the toxin remained confined to the injection site. However, an Italian research team at the National Research Council's Institute of Neuroscience in Pisa recently showed that this assumption might be wrong. To study the potential use of BoNT type A to block epilepsy, these researchers injected the toxin at various points in the face and brain of rats, including the whisker muscles and hippocampus. Days later, they found that the substance had unexpectedly spread from the whisker pad to the brain stem and crossed from one side of the brain to the other in the hippocampus, blocking hippocampal activity in the untreated hemisphere (Antonucci et al , 2008 ). This should raise some concerns about the safety of BoNT injections as it revealed the ability of the toxin to travel along nerve cells while remaining active.

Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had already warned that it had “received reports of systemic adverse reactions including respiratory compromise and death following the use of botulinum toxins. The reactions reported are suggestive of botulism, which occurs when botulinum toxin spreads in the body beyond the site where it was injected” (FDA, 2008).

6

Page 7: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Botulinum neurotoxin (see image) hijacks synaptic vesicle recycling at neuromuscular junctions. The toxin first docks to the active zone (blue) by binding to two membrane-anchored receptors, synaptotagmin (red) and ganglioside (yellow). The toxin–receptor complexes are then internalized by endocytosis. (Credit: Axel Brunger/HHMI at Stanford University, California, USA.)

Women Warned of Makeup Bacteria

Microbes might appear innocent components of the female armory. But beware! Those trusty pots of eye shadow and tubes of lipstick can be dangerous. Beauty products, like food, do not last forever. Over time bacteria can infiltrate them, only to be transferred on to the face and cause irritation or even infection. But the average make-up bag is a hoarding space for items that are four years out of date, a study shows. And some women hang on to items for up to 15 years past recommended use-by dates.Old mascara wands can breed bacteria that lead to conjunctivitis, which causes redness, itching and swelling. They should not be used six months after opening – but women admit to keeping them for an average of a year. Expired lipsticks, meanwhile, can make lips dry, irritated and blistered. And dirty brushes are a breeding ground for micro-organisms that can cause herpes, ringworm and impetigo, an infectious disease that result in blisters.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1253442/Women-warned-make-bacteria-risk-average-cosmetics-bag-years-date.html#ixzz1eXdfbkFB

7

Page 8: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1253442/Women-warned-make-bacteria-risk-average-cosmetics-bag-years-date.html#ixzz1eXdvFjHE

Five years ago rules were brought in by the European Union requiring all cosmetics to carry advice on when they will expire.Many manufacturers responded by adding ‘period after opening’ symbols to packaging to indicate how many months a product lasts.

But, according to research by Debenhams, 89 per cent of women do not know such information exists, cannot understand it, or simply cannot read the often tiny writing. So eye shadow and blusher, which tend to have PAOs of 18 to 24 months, are kept for an average of 180 months – that’s 15 years.And lipstick, with a recommended life of up to two years, has an average keep-for life of ten.In addition, 68 per cent of women say they replace make-up or skin products only when they run out, no matter how long that takes.A further 72 per cent never wash make-up sponges or brushes.Debenhams has written to Health Secretary Andy Burnham to push for further legislation to cover the safety of consumers.Spokesman Sara Stern said: ‘We wouldn’t hesitate to chuck out mould or bacteria-ridden food – and the same standards should apply to lotions we put on our skin.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1253442/Women-warned-make-bacteria-risk-average-cosmetics-bag-years-date.html#ixzz1eXe1ss00

Let’s See, What’s in Your Makeup Kit

Sharing Makeup Means Sharing Germs

"If a woman has a cut on her lip and borrows lipstick from someone who has a cold sore, she'll get a cold sore. You can pass herpes [the cold sore virus], conjunctivitis [pink eye] and all sorts of things through sharing makeup," says Dr. Zein Obagi, a dermatologist based in Beverly Hills.

-- LAtimes.com

8

Page 9: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Hands Contaminate Makeup

Anytime we use make-up, be it mascara, lipstick or a compact, the germs on our hands can contaminate it. Lipstick harbors’ all kinds of bacteria, especially viruses.

Even if you’re the only one using it you could still harbor an illness that you had a couple weeks earlier.

-- Dr. Mehmet Oz / DoctorOz.com

Thousands Contract Skin and Eye Irritations

The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission reports that thousands of people contract skin and eye irritations from shared testers.-- today.msnbc.msn.com

Your Own Makeup Can Cause Blemishes

Dermatologists say your old makeup may be causing you blemishes or even worse — it could lead to a dangerous infection.

The bacteria can get in there and the preservatives might not be working quite as well as they were when you first opened it.

Some women may develop a peril-oral dermatitis from using some old, expired makeup that might irritate the skin and cause little red bumps that look like acne-- consumeraffairs.com

9

Page 10: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Bacteria Contaminates Makeup Upon Opening

Expiration dates are simply "rules of thumb" and a product's safety may expire long before the expiration date if a product hasn't been stored properly. From the time you open it, the life and effectiveness of the product decreases and bacteria grows. Treat makeup products with care.

Makeup preservatives should kill common-use bacteria. But, as FDA studies show, a little bacteria is present in makeup before we buy it. As soon as you open your new product, airborne bacteria rushes in. Then you usually add bacteria by touching the product with unclean hands or with an unclean applicator or brush.

-- cbsnews.com

Human Related Bacteria on Makeup Testers

“I found human-related bacteria in all of the makeup,” microbiologist Connie Morbach says. “I found it in the lipstick, the brushes, the lip gloss, the eye shadow. So if you happened to use a Q-tip when someone else didn’t, and you put that on your eye, you’re still transferring the bacteria to your own eye.”

Seven out of nine samples Morbach tested had enteric bacteria. That is bacteria related to our digestive systems. That kind of bacteria can cause mild cases of diarrhea and stomach aches in healthy people and more serious gastrointestinal problems in those who have compromised immune systems. And we found more. Streptococcus, which can cause strep throat, was found in almost half of our samples. All of the samples from the makeup testers were contaminated with common bacteria, which means, according to Morbach, that other germs, such as viruses, could also be present. We didn’t test viruses.

-- Today Show / today.msnbc.msn.com

Contamination in use

From the moment the product is opened until the consumer discards it, it is subject to constant and variable microbial contamination from the domestic environment and the consumers’ hands and body fluids. For example, micro-organisms are readily introduced when fingers are dipped into products. Spillage of water into shampoos or shower preparations and consumers using saliva to remoisten old mascara or ‘swigging’ from bottles of mouthwashes are unfortunately common sources of potential contamination.

A family-size shampoo can be over 80 % water and may be used by several different people over a prolonged period. In a warm, moist environment such as a shower where it is easily contaminated, micro-organisms are very likely to enter the product. A sun-tan lotion shared by the same family over a two-week holiday is contaminated daily through multiple use and most probably is left for several hours at optimal growth temperatures in the sun, sand and sea. Unfinished at the end of the holiday, it is re-used the following year and the exercise repeated. Mascara usage represents the ultimate challenge to a cosmetic. Consumers are not likely to store their shampoo in a car glove box, subjected to extreme temperature changes, but this does happen with mascara. Consumers have also been known to apply

10

Page 11: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

mascara whilst driving, poking themselves in the eye with the brush in the process and allowing the introduction of microbes. Even more likely is a mascara being stored in a humid bathroom environment where brushes are dropped on the floor and containers are left open to contamination by harmful micro-organisms.

Spoilage

Micro-organisms in the home are adapted to a wide range of environments and can degrade a host of product ingredients. Whilst moldiness, color change, frothing, and packaging that bulges, leaks or explodes as a result of gas production are obvious effects of gross contamination, more subtle changes can occur. Shampoos, which necessarily contain surfactants, are particularly susceptible to contamination by water-borne Gram-negative bacteria which may cause, at the very minimum, a visible loss of lathering activity. Active ingredients may also be rendered ineffective. Other contamination effects may be unpleasant aromas or tastes (yeasts, actinomycetes) and change of tactile effects. Aesthetically unpleasant viscosity changes can occur in cream formulations which may also diminish the performance of the product.

Manufacture

There is widespread exposure to potential contaminants during manufacture, particularly from the raw materials. Water is the most common ingredient and poses obvious problems, but a seemingly innocuous material such as talc can be contaminated with dangerous pathogens. The principles of GMP must always be followed and raw materials, particularly those of natural origin, must be tested for contamination before use and limits of acceptability established. Areas where contamination may be introduced must be identified and controlled. The manufacturing facility offers a unique challenge as no two units are likely to be the same. Adequate Quality Assurance (QA) procedures must be in place to ensure unacceptable levels of contamination are never reached. Effective cleaning and sanitization programmers need to be validated and in place. Finally, people offer an unpredictable challenge. Adequate training must be undertaken and updated as appropriate.

Due to GMP, contamination during actual production is of such a low order that modern cosmetics manufacturing plants can achieve ‘absence of micro-organisms in almost 100 % of units produced. Manufacturers also aim wherever possible to develop formulations which are incapable of microbial growth. Once the product is made and packaged the preservative system must be able to withstand the normal microbial challenge. This includes storage and use. Packaging should be designed to minimize the chances of contamination.

Specific organisms in cosmetic products

Organisms commonly isolated from poorly preserved water-based products include Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus and Bacillus species, Pseudomonas, including P. aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia, Penicillium and Candida albicans. Gram-negatives are most common and, as they have very diverse metabolic capabilities, can survive in a wide range of environments. They are often introduced through water supplies.

11

Page 12: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

A Japanese study of professional shampoo products in hairdressers found that over 60 % of samples were contaminated with Gramnegatives, including P. aeruginosa. This may reflect multiple use, poorly preserved products or the consequences of dilution after purchase. In Denmark 22 % of samples of suncare products in use on a beach contained Candida species.

Clinical consequences of contamination

Potential pathogens have been found in cosmetics and toiletries. The more vulnerable members of society – neonates, the elderly, people with debilitating diseases or those undergoing drug therapies – are especially at risk. Contamination of talc with Clostridium tetani, infection of neonates with P. aeruginosa from contaminated cleansing solution and scalp infection leading to fatality in a granulocytopenic patient from diluted stored shampoo in a hospital beauty salon with P. aeruginosa are but three examples. A contaminated hand cream was shown to be the source of septicaemia in an Intensive Therapy Unit. The eye is particularly vulnerable to infection, especially if it is already damaged or has been injured by the consumer with the cosmetic applicator. Cases of Pseudomonas-induced corneal ulceration associated with mascara wand trauma and mascara contamination after multiple use of product have been reported. New mascara is rarely contaminated.

The incidence of such reports has declined in recent years as manufacturing processes have improved and there is better understanding of preservation. Nevertheless, there is still a need for vigilance and good practice.

Microbial limits

Industry has made good progress in producing cosmetics according to guidelines which assure a high safety standard. In attempting to set suitable microbial limits or standards we are faced with the problem that because of the multiple factors involved it is difficult to define precisely which levels and types of contamination represent a health hazard and which are safe. The Cosmetics, Toiletry & Perfumery Harmful micro-organisms should not be detectable using standard plate count (SPC) techniques and P.aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and C. albicans are used as indicator organisms.

In setting stricter standards, low levels of micro-organisms below the limit of detection of the SPC can be determined by enrichment testing. If this approach is pursued then the recovery diluent, selective media and the incubation conditions should be selected to promote the growth of the chosen indicator microorganisms.

12

Page 13: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Microbiology tests for Cosmetics

http://personalcaretruth.com/2011/01/microbiology-cosmetics/

Stem Cells and Their Use in Cosmetic Surgery

Stem cells are being currently investigated for use throughout the body. They may be used for facial rejuvenation to enhance hallowed atrophic fat areas including the malar eminence and the jowl lines.

13

Page 14: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

The stem cells may also be useful for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stem_cells_diagram.png

It is believed that a stem cell revolution is coming to plastic surgery , it's the most exciting innovation. It is a proof that the leading edge of what is possible and not just theoretical. It is expected that someday scientists would be able to manipulate stem cells harvested from the patient's own fat and use them to fill the skin envelope and reconstruct organs and modify their shapes. Right now there are some concerns that stem cells could potentially trigger a cancer-causing type of reaction, or simply increase the risk for cancer, but the risk is unclear and studies looking into this are underway. Still, it would be an exciting and valuable tool if we could avoid having to do deal with the complications of some of the reconstructive surgeries, the donor site scars, and other defects.

Problems Due To Microbes after Transplant

A transplant can be either a hair transplant, fat transplant or an organ transplant, no matter what, everything has certain limitations. The following is a review of some of the more common problems that may happen shortly after transplant. Many of them come from having the bone marrow wiped out by medicines or radiation just before the transplant. Others may result from the specific medicines that are used for the conditioning phase, or from the radiation. Some of these problems tend to happen less often and be less severe in people who get “mini-transplants.”

What If You Catch Infection

During the first 6 weeks after transplant, until the new bone marrow starts making white blood cells (engraftment), you can easily get serious infections. During this time of having low white blood cell counts you are said to be neutropenic. Bacterial infections are most common during this time, but viral infections that were controlled by your immune system can become active again. And even infections that cause only mild symptoms in people with normal immune systems can be quite dangerous for you.

14

Page 15: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

You may get antibiotics to try to prevent infections until your blood counts reach a certain level.For instance, pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a common infection that is easy to catch. Even through it doesn’t harm people with normal immune systems, for others it can cause fever, cough, and serious breathing problems. Doctors often give antibiotics to keep patients from getting this.

Because of the increased risk, you will be watched closely for signs of infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or diarrhea. Your doctor may check your blood often, and extra precautions to avoid exposure to germs will be needed. While in the hospital, everyone who enters your room must wash their hands well. They probably will also wear gowns, shoe coverings, gloves, and masks.

Since flowers and plants can carry bacteria and fungi, they are not allowed in your room. For the same reason, you cannot eat fresh fruits and vegetables. All your food must be well cooked and handled very carefully by you and family members. Certain foods may need to be avoided.

You may also be told to avoid contact with soil, feces (stool, both human and animal), aquariums, reptiles, and exotic pets. Your team may tell you to avoid being near disturbed soil, bird droppings, or mold. You will need to wash your hands after touching pets. Your family may need to move the cat’s litter box away from places you eat or spend your time. Some transplant teams recommend cleaning carpets, floors, furniture, and drapes before you go home. Your transplant team will tell you and your family in detail about the precautions you need to follow during this time. There are many viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can cause infection after your transplant. Despite all these precautions, patients often develop fevers, one of the first signs of infection. If you do get a fever or other signs of infection, tests will be done to look for the cause of the infection (chest x-rays, urine tests, and blood cultures) and IV (intravenous) antibiotics will be started right away. Be sure to ask which symptoms you should call the doctor about at nights and on weekends.

15

Page 16: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Major Issue:

Cross-contamination & double dippingInfection and disease caused by poor hygiene and cross-contamination within the beauty and cosmetics industries is an issue that is often ignored and simply dismissed.

Doctors, hospitals, dentist and the entire healthcare sector use medical disposables to reduce the risks of infection together with a stringent hygiene code of practice and it would simply be impossible to imagine a patient not expecting or demanding the highest hygiene standards whenever under the care of a medical professional.

A stringent hygienic customer service and product-use methodology is applied within these industries, so why not in the makeup and beauty world?

Cross-contamination starts at the moment when bacteria are transferred from the hands or skin to facial or other body areas. The same process happens when a brush or tool is placed into a product container and then used on the skin or body, again transferring bacteria both ways, and dipped back into the same container, or even worse a second container.

16

Page 17: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

Even if the tool is used by only one person, there is still bacteria transfer and growth. The same problem is multiplied when the same tools and containers are used on several people, whether applied by one person or several, professional or not.

The right way – decrease cross-contaminationRemoving product from the original container either onto a metal palette or into individual pots and containers and using disposable and single use application tools in conjunction with a strict personal hygiene programme will decrease the probability of cross-contamination.

Currently, the use of disposables and single use brushes and applicators to avoid double dipping and cross-contamination, together with the adherence to an adequate hygiene process, is erratically applied at individual, company and educative level in the makeup industry.

Infection and disease caused by cross-contamination within the makeup and beauty industry is an issue that is usually overlooked, ignored or dismissed by artists and other professionals, many of whom are oblivious to the problem and to its potential legal consequences.

Clean hands, clean tools and clean productsAlthough to many, these two points might seem obvious, but in practice and under pressure, a major cause of passing on viruses and germs.

http://www.safebeautyassociation.com/what-is-safe-beauty/the-major-issues

Conclusion

A recent study found that many cosmetics and toiletries used worldwide contained chemicals that were either known cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) or were untested for their effect on human health. However, more research into the safety of cosmetic chemicals is needed and To be sure, cosmetic science research is ongoing in the field of preservatives since many things previously deemed safe have been reclassified as hazardous. Suppliers who can come up with even safer preservatives will likely make a lot of money. Hopefully, they’ll do it soon but there do not appear to be any promising materials on the horizon after all, beauty is timeless, but unfortunately products are not.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1253442/Women-warned-make-bacteria-risk-average-cosmetics-bag-years-date.html#ixzz1eXpHhgcX

17

Page 18: Cosmetic Microbiology Final

ReferencesMicroorganisms and Cosmetics 

By Anthony O Lenick Jr

Global Regulatory Issues for the Cosmetics Industry

By: Karl Lintner

Clinical safety and efficacy testing of cosmetics

BY: William C. Waggoner

http://www.iso.org/iso/pressrelease.htm?refid=Ref1069

http://www.science.org.au/nova/083/083key.htm

http://chemistscorner.com/how-to-prevent-contamination-in-cosmetic-products/

http://www.personalcaremagazine.com/Story.aspx?Story=8736

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1253442/Women-warned-make-bacteria-risk-average-cosmetics-bag-years-date.html#ixzz1eXdfbkFB

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1253442/Women-warned-make-bacteria-risk-average-cosmetics-bag-years-date.html#ixzz1eXe1ss00

http://personalcaretruth.com/2011/01/microbiology-cosmetics/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stem_cells_diagram.png

http://www.safebeautyassociation.com/what-is-safe-beauty/the-major-issues

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1253442/Women-warned-make-bacteria-risk-average-cosmetics-bag-years-date.html#ixzz1eXpHhgcX

18