Many people do not realize that any cosmetic product that is good for your skin is also
a good breeding ground for microorganisms; bacteria and fungus. One unseen bacterial
or fungal cell will reproduce rapidly in the right conditions to form a colony or clump
of cells that is seen by the naked eye on the Petri dish. Excessive amounts of bacteria and fungus, can affect the cosmetic in a number of ways such as may cause odour, color changes, destabilize the emulsion etc. Microorganisms can also affect the consumer negatively in ways ranging from harmless itching of the skin to serious infection; even blindness if the product is used around the eyes. The most common microbiology tests for cosmetics are the APC (Aerobic Plate Count), fungal yeast test and Preservative Efficacy Test. For testing bacterial and fungal count in cosmetics, HiMedia offers a wide range of media such as Soyabean Casein Digest Agar, Plate Count Agar, Saboraud Dextrose Agar , Saboraud Chloramphenicol Agar etc. |