Microbiological evaluation of packaging obtained from cosmetics production establishments

Abstract

Cosmetics are commonly placed in plastic packaging, which has the essential function of protecting the product. However, cosmetics packaging can contribute to the total microbial load of the product, leading to product deterioration and putting the health of users at risk. The main purpose of this research was the microbiological evaluation of cosmetics packaging obtained from cosmetics production establishments, one industry and four compound pharmacies (pharmacies that sell custom-made medicines), from Vale do Taquari, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Based on the results of a questionnaire applied at the moment of packaging acquisition, previous sanitization is performed for compound pharmacies packaging, with different handling procedures, whereas in the industry the process of packaging sanitization does not occur. However, this sanitization was not considered enough to guarantee the complete absence of microorganisms in the packaging, since a microbial growth was observed for 6 out of the 16 evaluated containers obtained from compound pharmacies, and for 2 out of the 4 industrial containers. Although several containers were contaminated, few CFU/mL (from 1- 4) were isolated from each sample. Staphylococcus bacteria were the most common type of contamination, with S. aureus being identified in one sample. Not performing prior sanitization or storing packaging with the lid open seems to lead to a higher microbial contamination of the packaging. Hence, both the sanitization process and the storage of packaging play an important role in guaranteeing packaging and cosmetics quality. The present investigation points for the importance of microbiological quality control of cosmetics packaging.