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ISO 21149
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ISO 21149:2017 - Standard Method for Detecting Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria in Cosmetics
- Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538)
- Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442)
- Ensures consumer safety by identifying harmful bacteria.
- Prevents product spoilage and costly product recalls.
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Abstract
ISO 21149:2017 is one widely accepted standard that provides guidelines for testing cosmetic products for microbial contamination. Ensuring the microbiological safety of cosmetic products is a crucial step in protecting consumers from potential health risks. The international standard describes methods to enumerate and identify the presence of pathogenic aerobic mesophilic bacteria in cosmetics. This standardization of the protocol makes it an essential tool for manufacturers aiming to meet high product quality as well as microbiological safety standards.
While this standard is applicable to a wide range of cosmetic products, alternative methods may be required for testing certain water-immiscible formulations. The presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria is determined through either direct colony counting on agar plates or through an enrichment process that monitors the growth of bacteria.
Compliance and industry standards for ISO 21149 testing
Test organisms used in ISO 21149 testing
ISO 21149 test method for aerobic mesophilic bacteria detection
Plate method for ISO 21149 testing
- Pour plates or spread plates are prepared by using a specified culture medium.
- The plates are inoculated with a known quantity of initial suspension.
- The inoculated plates are incubated aerobically at 32.5°C ± 2.5°C for 72 ± 6 hours.
- After the incubation period, the number of colony-forming units (CFU) is counted and the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria per ml per gram of the cosmetic product is calculated.
Membrane filtration in ISO 21149 test procedure
- A defined amount of sample is filtered through a membrane filter and washed in a filtration apparatus containing a small amount of suitable sterile diluent.
- The membrane filter is then transferred onto an agar plate and incubated at 32.5°C ± 2.5°C for 72 ± 6 hours.
- After incubation, the number of colony-forming units (CFU) is counted and the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria per milliliter or per gram of the cosmetic product is calculated.
Detection of aerobic mesophilic bacteria by enrichment broth
- The sample mixture is then incubated at 32.5°C ± 2.5°C for at least 20 hours.
- After incubation, an aliquot of the previously inoculated liquid medium is transferred to a non-selective solid agar medium.
- The plates are subjected to aerobic incubation at 32.5°C ± 2.5°C for 48 to 72 hours.
- The plates are observed for any bacterial colonies and the results are expressed as the “presence or absence” of aerobic mesophilic bacteria per sample of the cosmetic product.
Importance of ISO 21149 testing in cosmetic safety
Cosmetic products are usually exposed to various environmental conditions during their production, handling and storage procedures that encourage the proliferation of bacteria. This compromises the safety and efficacy of such products. Testing according to this standard allows the early detection of potential microbial contaminations in cosmetics so that contaminated products do not reach the markets.
Products that fail the standards efficacy criteria often cause skin irritation or allergic reactions when used by consumers, especially those with sensitive skin. The early detection of these bacteria helps manufacturers reduce such risks from their end and thus safeguard both the product and the consumer.
Applications of ISO 21149 testing in the cosmetic industry
Benefits of ISO 21149 testing for cosmetics
- Ensures consumer safety by detecting harmful bacteria.
- Prevents product spoilage and potential health risks.
- Enhances brand reputation by demonstrating compliance to international standards.
- Helps avoid costly product recalls due to contamination.
- Demonstrates a commitment to international regulatory compliance.
Conclusion – Ensuring cosmetic safety with ISO 21149 testing
Maintaining the microbial safety of cosmetic products is a non-negotiable factor in today’s increasingly regulated industry. The ISO standard ensures the safety of products by providing a standard testing protocol for assessing the quality and safety of the products. Manufacturers can ensure that their products are free from microorganisms by consulting this test and eventually safeguard the well-being of their consumers. Additionally, they can also gain customer confidence by demonstrating compliance with the standard.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we provide ISO 21149 testing services that help cosmetic manufacturers ensure their products meet the highest standards of microbiological safety.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist in safeguarding your cosmetic products.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
We perform this test using Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442). Additional strains can be added on customer request.
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