Microbiological testing
The guidelines for such tests are provided by the PN-EN ISO 17516 2014-11 standard, which introduces new microbiological limits for cosmetic products. It determines the maximum permissible level of microbial contamination of cosmetic products.
Based on their susceptibility to microbial contamination, cosmetic products can be divided into 2 categories:
1. Products which are highly prone to microbial contamination:
a) products with high water content, e.g.: lotions, toners, balms;
b) eye care products;
c) products for children;
d) natural products.
2. Microbiologically low-risk products (identified in the PN-EN ISO 29621:2011 standard):
a) products with pH ≤ 3,0 (e.g. peels);
b) products with pH ≥ 10,0 (e.g. hair straightening products);
c) products with ≥ 20 % alcohol content (e.g. perfume, toners);
d) products with low water activity and high process temperature (e.g. lipsticks, lip balms, pressed powders);
e) products based on solvents (e.g. nail polish);
f) oxidants (e.g. hair dye).
In our testing, we apply the following ISO standards:
PN-EN ISO 22717 PN-EN ISO 22718 PN-EN ISO 21150:2010 PN-EN ISO 18416:2009 PN-EN ISO 21149: 2009 PN-EN ISO 16212: 2011
