Abstract

“Specified microorganisms“ are used as a separate group when defining limit counts for cosmetic products (e.g., ISO 17516). Usually, there are four species of microorganisms assigned to this specification group. It has, however, been known for a long time that more than these mentioned species might be of relevance as health hazards for the product user and also for causing alterations of the product characteristics. To reliably reach product quality and safety targets for the product, it is recommended to increase the above-mentioned specification-group in a product-related way through further relevant microorganisms. The species explicitly mentioned in the given norms should therefore be understood as “examples” and not as “exclusive”. To select further species to be assigned to the “specified microorganisms”, detected contaminants should be identified and assessed, or microorganism should be chosen according to experience or literature data. It is essential that species detected and classed as “specified microorganisms” are also sufficiently taken into consideration when defining procedures, measures and examinations as components of the quality management system (e.g., requirements for raw materials, examination methods for control purposes and spectrum of test organisms for preservation efficacy tests).