Why is the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa important?
The microbiological safety of cosmetic products is imperative for consumer and regulatory compliance. Particularly within the European market, it is the fundamental responsibility of manufacturers to demonstrate that their products are free from microbial contamination. In this context, ISO 22717 is recognized as an internationally accepted test method for the detection of the hazardous bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cosmetics.
What is ISO 22717?
ISO 22717 is a microbiological test procedure for determining the presence of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cosmetic products. The standard aims to ensure that products reaching consumers are not contaminated with pathogens that could pose a risk to human health.
The application of this standard is particularly mandated for the following product categories:
Aqueous cosmetic products
Baby Care Products
Medical cosmetic products
Rinse-off products (shampoo, shower gel, etc.)
Eye Area Products
Lotions and creams
Why is Pseudomonas aeruginosa hazardous?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known as a resilient and opportunistic pathogen that can rapidly proliferate in moist environments. It can lead to skin irritations, infections, and severe complications in immunocompromised individuals.
The presence of this bacterium in cosmetic products can lead to:
Product recalls
Damage to brand image
Non-compliance with European regulations
Jeopardizing consumer health.
For this reason, a test process validated according to international standards has become indispensable.
For which products is ISO 22717 mandated?
For the following product categories, testing according to ISO 22717 is usually mandated or strongly recommended:
Shampoo, shower gel, hair care products
Lotions, creams, and emulsions
Baby Care Products
Cosmetic products for the eye area
Facial cleansing gels
Medical cosmetic products
Masks and tonics
- Professional salon products
As aqueous or moist formulations are more susceptible to bacterial growth, they are particularly required to undergo this test.
Leveraging our laboratory infrastructure in Germany, we provide comprehensive microbiological analysis services to cosmetic manufacturers. We conduct all microbiological tests, including the ISO 22717 Pseudomonas aeruginosa test, swiftly, reliably, and using accredited methods, in compliance with European Union cosmetic regulations (EU 1223/2009).