Water-containing products, including many cosmetics, can be subject to the proliferation of micro-organisms. Without sufficient preservation this can lead to deterioration in which cosmetic products may manifest odor change, discoloration, mold growth, gas formation, emulsion separation or viscosity change making the product unacceptable to the consumer. Such deterioration invariably results in substantial financial damage and loss of image for the cosmetics manufacturer. In addition, microbiological contamination presents a real danger, involving a risk to health from micro-organisms that are potentially pathogenic. Cosmetics manufacturers are themselves responsible for the safety of the products they manufacture and market. and market. They are legally bound to insure their products so that they pose no risk to consumer health.
Products with action against micro-organisms are used in certain cosmetic products, not only as preservatives but also as special products: in anti-dandruff preparations to combat the micro-organisms responsible for dandruff formation; in deodorants to inhibit the growth of micro-organisms responsible for unpleasant body odors; in dental and oral hygiene products to combat plaque formation; as antibacterial agents in skin cleansing products to treat juvenile skin problems; in antibacterial hand-washing products.
Contamination limits have been clearly defined for cosmetic products. cosmetic products are classified according to categories. Category 1 covers products most likely to cause infection in the consumer, due to the fragility of the body zone (eye contour and mucous membranes) in contact with the formula. The qualitative and quantitative limits for total aerobic mesophilic flora are 100 CFU/g or ml. Category 2 covers all other products, with limits of 1000 CFU/g or ml.
Regulation (EC) N°1223/2009 of November 30 2009 on cosmetic products sets out the list of preservatives permitted in cosmetic products in Annex V.