Microbial Growth and why it’s important in cosmetics (A THREAD)

Okay let’s start with basics! What is microbial growth? Microbial growth is an increase of a population of microorganisms. This increase of population will consequently lead to an increase in biomass.

Microbial growth is a continuous concern especially for manufacturers and scientists, because it can cause A LOT of problems for cosmetics and drugs.

How can microorganisms affect your cosmetics and your skin? Remember that your skin has a microbiome which is essentially your skin’s first line of defense against microbes (bad ones) and if that is invaded, it can exacerbate skin concerns such as acne, cause inflammation etc.

Now let’s talk about the requirements for microorganisms to grow. You can split these mainly into two categories - Chemical & Physical

Physical requirements: microorganisms love to grow in HUMID/WARM temperatures, however some microorganisms can grow in cold temperatures as well. They also have a convenient pH at about 5-8. They rarely can tolerate extremely acidic and extremely alkaline pH.

They also like to grow in high water activity. Water activity is a measure of the free moisture in a product (microorganisms LIKE WATER and I will come back to this - REMEMBER WHAT I JUST SAID). To counter this the goal is to have a low water activity!

Other factors, such as chemical requirements - they can grow with water, the proper nutrients and minerals, oxygen, and in systems where there are NO preservatives, antibacterials/biocides etc.

Now let’s talk about the TOP ways your products can get contaminated, even before the product gets into your hands. That’s right. Take a seat and buckle up

1) Inefficient product packaging: if your product is not packaged properly, let’s say where you can’t close it properly or it has a way where water can easily get inside, your product WILL get contaminated.

2) Consumer use: YES HOW YOU USE YOUR PRODUCT IS IMPORTANT. Are you washing your hands before you do your routine? Trying to dilute your products with water to “preserve” your product? YOU’RE DONE! CONTAMINATED

3) Storage and shipping conditions: How a manufacturer stores and ships products is important. Is the product constantly being exposed to extreme temperatures or conditions while on the way to you?

4) Inefficient preservative system: If the preservative system is not good enough, microorganisms WILL grow! Just because there is a preservative system, does not mean it is a GOOD AND EFFECTIVE one. This is why microbial testing is done but if that’s lacking: CONTAMINATED

5) Lack of good manufacturing practices: Not every manufacturer in the world works in your best interest. Some will not make products in sterile conditions, sanitize equipment, check the quality of raw materials. If that is lacking, your products will get CONTAMINATED

6) Contamination of raw materials: Raw material suppliers sometimes will not even check to see if the material is free of microbes. It will be contaminated prior to reaching the manufacturer and if the manufacturer doesn’t check for microbial quality?...CHILE

Now how can YOU as a consumer prevent microbial contamination when you get and use your products? Here’s a checklist and let me expand further

As soon as your order a product and it reaches your hands, SANITIZE IT. Disinfectant spray, wipes, etc. CLEAN IT IMMEDIATELY. It has probably touched several people’s hands before it reached you. And we’re in a panoramic!!! HELLO

Ensure you are not diluting products with WATER. Remember microbes LOVE WATER. They grow easily in water. Do not let steam or water enter your products ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN THE SHOWER - READ THAT AGAIN

Properly STORE your cosmetics! Put it in a drawer or cabinet where you’re not exposing your products to steam or water or UV or even humid temperatures! Storage is IMPORTANT

Make sure you WASH YOUR DAMN HANDS before you do your routine. I shouldn’t be telling y’all this but here we are

Remember how you use your products plays an important role in how your products can get contaminated, so be mindful of that! That’s all I got! WASH YOUR HANDS