Why Are Microbiological Tests Important for Cosmetics?
Microbiological testing is a crucial part of the cosmetics industry to ensure the safety and quality of cosmetic products. At ZeriMar Laboratoire, located in Tangier and staffed by a team of doctors specialized in microbiology, we provide analyses that help control microbial contamination, ensure formulation stability, and verify product compliance before market release. With our scientific expertise, we support manufacturers in producing safe, reliable, and internationally compliant cosmetics.
Essential Microbiological Controls to Ensure Product Safety
To guarantee the microbiological quality of each batch, strict controls must be conducted before market release. These analyses include microbial counts, evaluation of the total microbial flora, and preservative efficacy testing (Challenge Test).
ZeriMar Laboratoire offers comprehensive testing, including the detection of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, screening for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as the identification of yeasts, molds, and Candida albicans.
These controls allow the detection of any contamination or hygiene failures that may occur during production. By performing these essential checks, ZeriMar Laboratoire ensures microbiological safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection.
Which Analyses Do We Perform?
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Enumeration of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (ISO 21149)
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Total count of yeasts and molds (ISO 16212)
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ISO 22717)
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Escherichia coli (ISO 21150)
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Staphylococcus aureus (ISO 22718)
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Candida albicans (ISO 18416)
Applications of Microbiological Testing in Cosmetics
Our microbiological tests cover all finished cosmetic products, whether intended for personal care, hygiene, or beauty enhancement. The main categories include:
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Hair care products and treatments
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Body hygiene and daily care products
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Sunscreens and skin protection formulations
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Makeup and decorative products
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Perfumes, eau de toilette, and alcoholic preparations
These analyses allow manufacturers to ensure the safety, stability, and microbiological compliance of each formulation before it reaches the market.
Objectives of Microbiological Testing for Cosmetic Products
Microbiological controls play a crucial role in the quality and safety of cosmetic products. They allow manufacturers to:
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Assess the effectiveness of the preservative system in each formulation, ensuring long-lasting protection against microbial growth.
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Ensure the product is safe for the user by identifying and controlling any potential microbiological risks.
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Verify regulatory compliance for products intended for import or export, in accordance with international standards applicable to the cosmetics industry.
These analyses help optimize product quality, prevent contamination, and strengthen consumer trust in brands.
Surface Analysis – Hygiene Control
Surface cleanliness control is essential for identifying the possible presence of bacteria or fungi that could contaminate cosmetic products. It also makes it possible to assess the effectiveness of existing cleaning and disinfection protocols. This approach plays a key role in reducing contamination risks and preventing sanitary issues.
Air Analysis - Air Monitoring and Environmental Assessment
Air quality control is a crucial element in the production of cosmetic products, where strict hygiene management is essential to prevent contamination of formulations. While surface analysis helps assess the effectiveness of visible cleaning protocols, air can carry microorganisms invisibly—especially in production rooms, packaging areas, or controlled environments.
Microbiological air analysis — conducted in manufacturing zones, storage areas, clean rooms, or within ventilation systems — helps identify potential sources of contamination, evaluate the condition of HVAC installations, and verify the efficiency of existing filters. This information is essential to ensure a clean, controlled environment that meets the sanitary and regulatory requirements of the cosmetic industry.
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Preventing product and surface contamination
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Air quality monitoring in premises and establishments
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Environmental hygiene assessment in the industrial sector
Evaluation parameter
Method
Limit value
Total count of aerobic-mesophilic bacteria
ISO 21149
Total count of molds and yeasts
ISO 16212
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
ISO 22717
Staphylococcus aureus
ISO 22718
Escherichia coli
ISO 21150
Candida albicans
ISO 18416
Products intended for children under 3 years of age, products applied around the eyes, products applied to mucous membranes: <100 CFU/g
Other products: <1000 CFU/g
Should not be found