Challenge-tests
Monitoring the effectiveness of antimicrobial preservation.
The challenge test, or superinfection test, is an important step in the life of a cosmetic, and it aims to verify if the product is not conducive to the development of micro-organisms - which not only leads to degradation of the organoleptic qualities of cosmetics, but can also be dangerous to the consumer.
The examination involves seeding the finished cosmetic with a series of microbial strains contained in the protocols prepared for this purpose; often Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 [Gram], Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 [Gram], Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 [Gram] candida albicans ATCC 10231 [yeast], and aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404 [fungus] of the European Pharmacopoeia. The cosmetic is checked to see if the concentrations of these microorganisms decrease rapidly in a few days, and later reach undetectable levels.
Copaïba consultancy & formulation can take care of your challenge tests, either on finished formulas in order to determine their quality, or in order to develop formulas with anti-microbial properties.