Cosmetics Preservative Efficacy Challenge Testing
Cosmetic products are products that we use a lot and that come into contact with the skin for a long time. For this reason, the shelf life and the chemical and physical changes that can occur in cosmetic products during this process are important. In cosmetic products, preservatives are added in order to extend the shelf life and protect their chemical, physical and microbiological condition.In general, preservatives are used in cosmetic products to prevent contamination with bacteria, yeast or mold fungi, their reproduction or chemical deterioration. Properties of preservatives; killing microorganisms or preventing their reproduction. The most important point for the preservatives used in cosmetic products is the amount used. Preservatives in cosmetic products should be used both in sufficient amounts for the product and in amounts that will not cause toxic and irritating effects on the skin.
The features that should be in preservatives to be used in cosmetic products can be listed as follows:
- It should be effective at low concentrations against all kinds of microorganisms that can enter the product
- Should not have an allergic, toxic or irritating effect on the consumer
- It must be stable during production and during the shelf life of the product (at changing temperatures and pH values)
- Must be compatible with other substances in the formulation
- It should be colorless and odorless
- Must be water soluble
- Should not change the physical properties of the product
- Must kill microorganisms immediately so that they do not adapt to the environment
- Must comply with laws and regulations
- It should be cheap and easily accessible
In general, the preservatives used in cosmetic products are:
- Parabens (Paraben and paraben salts)
- Preservatives that react with acetylacetone
- Isothiazolinones
- Organic Alcohols
- Acidic preservatives
- Halogenated compounds
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Alcohols
Efficacy tests are carried out for preservatives used in cosmetic products. By determining the effectiveness of the preservatives used, the adequacy of the product in terms of preserving the shelf life and microbial load is ensured. In addition, "Protective Efficiency Tests" are carried out during product development stages.
