icrobiological stability tests

Microbial contaminants usually come from two different stages: production

and filling, and during consumer use. These contaminants affect the quality
and longevity of the product.
Routine microbiological analysis of each batch of the finished product is
essential to ensure the safety of the consumer and the quality of the product.
Microbiological stability tests for cosmetics include:

 Screening tests. Dip-slides or plate counts are used to determine

whether a product is significantly contaminated.
 Quantitative tests. These tests determine the actual count level of
bacteria, mold and yeast in a product.

3. Packaging stability tests

Stability testing includes packaging compatibility with the product.
Packaging choices can affect the stability of the product because of
interactions between the product, the package and the external environment.
Packaging may not fully protect the product or maintain the product’s
aesthetic qualities (e.g. colour, fragrance). Product ingredients may also
chemically react with the container.
Packaging stability tests for cosmetics include:

 Glass tests. Glass is the most inert material and does not react with a
cosmetic product in any way, allowing the manufacturer to determine if
the problem is the formula or the package.
 Weight loss tests. Weight loss evaluation helps to determine
evaporation (water loss through the container’s walls or closure gaps
such as lids).
 Leaking tests. The packaged product is tested in various orientations
(upright, upside down, on its side, etc.) to determine any issues with
leaks during transport and storage.
When should stability testing for cosmetics occur?
Stability testing is essential for new formulations and for ongoing quality
control and quality assurance. Stability testing is also important for the
following situations and conditions:

 New prototypes
 New raw material supplier
 New production site, equipment or procedures
 New or modified packaging
 Scaling up production
 New regulations