Microbiological analysis of lipsticks

Cosmetic products are among the products that are susceptible to microbial contamination due to the suitability of their structural content. Lipsticks among cosmetic products are exposed to contamination through contact with lips, moisturizing with breath and environmental interaction, especially after opening. Before personal use, exposure to contamination can occur in different ways due to many reasons such as raw materials, water, preparation process, distribution, etc. The production of cosmetic products is carried out in accordance with the guidelines published by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency. In the study, the relevant analyzes were carried out based on the microbiological analysis methods in the "Guideline on Safety Assessment in Cosmetic Products Version 3.0" published by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency on 22.06.2020. Serial dilutions of 15 unused lipstick samples obtained from various public markets and bijouteries were prepared and microbiological analyzes were performed. Microbial isolations were made from the lipstick samples and cultural morphological examination and staining methods were applied to the isolates. By some biochemical test methods, Gram-negative bacteria in sample number 3, Gram-positive bacteria in sample number 2 and yeast fungi in sample number 4 were detected. The microbiological limits specified in the Cosmetic Regulation were compared with the limit values of the microorganisms isolated from lipstick samples. Of the lipstick samples compared, the total number of microorganisms in samples 2, 3 and 4 were found to be above the limit values. The study draws attention to the health risks that may occur due to microbial contaminants found in unused lipstick samples sold in the market.