INVESTIGATION OF THE MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION OF USED LIPSTICKS AND MASCARAS

Objective: Carbon and nitrogen sources, minerals, growth factors in the composition of cosmetic products, and environmental conditions such as convenient acidic environment and humidity constitute the suitable environment for microbial growth. Microbiological contamination of these products is important in terms of both posing a risk to consumer health and causing economic losses due to changes occurring in the product. This study aimed to examine the lipstick and mascara samples used by consumers in terms of microbiological contamination. 
Material and Method: Thirty lipsticks and thirty mascaras used by consumers were investigated for microbiological contamination. The samples were evaluated according to the microbiological limits specified in the European Standard EN ISO 17516. Contaminant bacteria were identified by VITEK® 2 Compact (bioMérieux, France). 
Result and Discussion: According to the results obtained, it was determined that only one of the tested mascara samples and four of the lipstick samples did not comply with the specified microbiological limit values. Staphylococcus sciuri was the contaminant bacterium determined in the mascara sample. In addition, Kocuria kristinae, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus alactolyticus, Rothia mucilaginosa, Rothia dentocariosa were detected in lipstick samples. All the bacteria detected as contaminants are Gram-positive, most of which are the members of the mouth, throat, respiratory, and skin microbiota. The contamination may have been caused by the inappropriate use of consumers, such as using the same product by more than one person, contamination of saliva, and not paying attention to hand hygiene.