E Neza and M Centini
University ALDENT, Albania University of Siena, Italy
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Clin Pediatr Dermatol
Microbiologically contaminated cosmetic products can cause serious damage to consumers and also affect the stability of these products. According to RAPEX database primary microorganisms of concerns found in cosmetic products were; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphyloccocus aureus, Candida albicans, Burkholderia cepacia. Enterococcus species (E.faecium, E.gergoviae, E.cloacae), gram negative bacteria (Bacillus firmus, Rhizobium radiobater, Serratia maecescens, Achromabacter xylosoxidans, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumonie, Pantoea agglomerans, Citrobater freundii), gram positive bacteria (Bacillus firmus) and mold species. Among the contaminated products eye-area cosmetics mouthwashes, lotions, toothpastes, tattoo inks were found. Cosmetic products with higher preservative concentration were recalled: methylisothiazolinone, triclosan, benzalkonium chloride. 46% of contaminated products contained botanical extracts, known as microbial nutrient in cosmetics. 76% among them were produced in countries belonging to European Union. 22% of products were produced in Germany. European consumers are exposed by microbiologically contaminated and over preserved cosmetic products. Contamination is more commonly associated with products claimed as natural or composed of natural ingredients. Microbial testing of botanicals is a key aspect of cosmetic products safety. It is urgent, that national authorities monitor natural compounds and microbial contaminations in cosmetic products.
E Neza has completed her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from University of Siena, Italy. She was appointed as Lecturer of Pharmacognosy at Department of Pharmacy Aldent University. During the years 2005-2008, she worked as Analyst for microbiological quality of pharmaceutical products at pharmaceutical industry. Her research concerns safety of cosmetic products. She has published and lectured on subjects of cosmetic science and medicinal plants in different national and international journals.
Email:edlira.neza@ual.edu.al