Preservation exposure tests (KBT) represent a fundamental building block for evaluating the microbiological safety of cosmetic products. The KBT is intended to confirm that the cosmetic product prevents germs from multiplying when used as intended and is therefore microbiologically stable.
The ISO 11930 standard on preservation exposure tests for cosmetics has existed since 2012. While in the past, the guidelines of the European or American Pharmacopoeia were particularly oriented towards the requirements of ISO 11930 for the implementation and evaluation of stress tests that are specifically geared towards the cosmetics industry.
At the beginning of the stress test, a cosmetic product is inoculated with 5 microorganisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis). The initial germ count is determined and the inoculated products are stored under defined conditions.
After specified times (7 days, 14 days and 28 days), the germ counts of the inoculated products are determined in order to follow the development of the germ counts over the test period. Finally, it is checked whether the germ counts are reduced in accordance with the specifications. This gives an indication of the microbial stability of the cosmetic agent, since after opening the cosmetics, in many cases an entry of microorganisms must be expected.
The ISO 11930 specifies requirements for the reduction of the bacterial count in the context of KBTs. These requirements are represented by means of logarithmic reduction values. According to the standard, if criterion A is met, it can be assumed that the product is protected against microbial reproduction. If only criterion B is met, additional safety measures such as protective packaging must be taken to reduce the microbial risk during use and to meet the requirements of the standard.
The cosmetics laboratories of the Tentamus Group examine your products with regard to their microbiological safety, among other things, and carry out preservation tests. In this way you can ensure that the microbial risk to your customers is reduced during use and that the product complies with the standards.
Further information can be found here: Cosmetic Analysis
Contact our experts now and let us advise you. Your direct contact is:
Bernhard Fellenberg
BAV Institute
+49 781 969 471 94
bernhard.fellenberg@bav-institut.de
