Abstract
The use of cosmetics has been widely accepted; among them, hand creams are commonly used with the principal function of hydration. However, for the user’s safety, and to ensure good-quality products, these products should follow the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and a strict microbiological quality control. In this study, six samples of hand creams, two industrialized and four compounding were evaluated by microbiological methods of counting and identification of microorganisms. In the industrialized samples, there was no fungal or bacterial growth, whereas in the manipulated ones, there was a growth in 75% of the samples, but none exceeded the limits allowed by microorganisms, and they showed none pathogenic microorganisms. Through the results, it can be concluded that the origin of manufacture may influence final product quality. The results emphasize the need for a stricter control in pharmacies to prevent contamination in the production process, and to ensure safety and trustworthiness to the users of such products. Key words: Microbiology,quality control, cosmetic Industry.
Highlights
The use of cosmetics has sharply increased in recent years both in Brazil and worldwide
Due to the great importance of microbiological control, and considering that these cosmetics are used in an area of the body that may come in contact with the eyes, mouth and mucous membranes, and can transmit such undesirable microorganisms, besides leading to serious consequences to the consumer if there are values of fungi and bacteria above the allowed levels or even the presence of microorganisms considered pathogenic, the present study evaluated the microbiological quality of hand creams
The microbiological quality control of cosmetic formulations should be performed mainly because the preparations consist of vehicles and active principles that constitute an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms, since it can find in cosmetics, a source of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, organic salts, water, among others (Bazzo et al, 2006)
Summary
The use of cosmetics has sharply increased in recent years both in Brazil and worldwide. Brazil is already considered the third largest consumer market for cosmetics, only behind the U.S and Japan (Leonardi, 2008). This growth is due to the fact that nowadays both women and men are increasingly seeking for products which help them build a better personal image. According to the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the Board Resolution (RDC) number 211 of July 14th, 2005, determines that the toiletries, cosmetics and perfumes can be produced from natural or synthetic substances destined for exterior use. Cosmetics are designed to clean, perfume, hydrate, change the appearance, correct body odor, protect and keep in good appearance external features of the human body (Brasil, 2005; Ribeiro, 2010)
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