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Feb 3, 2026 - Cosmetics
New publication by DGK – Measurement uncertainties in microbiological examination of cosmetic products
A new publication from the German Society for Scientific and Applied Cosmetics (DGK) is available online. It is titled "Measurement Uncertainties in Microbiological Testing of Cosmetic Products". It was published by the Microbiology and Operational Hygiene working group under the leadership of Joelle Nussbaum from the BAV Institute.
The publication, available for free on the DGK website, comprehensively addresses the topic of measurement uncertainties in microbiological test procedures for cosmetic products. These tests range from the preservation stress test (PST) to the examination of the microbiological status of a product, including specified microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Specifically, the following points are explained:
- Fundamental influence of biological aspects
- Measurement uncertainties in qualitative and quantitative examinations
- Possible deviations
- Proficiency testing
- Purity tests of products
- Conducting the preservation stress test (PST)
- Prerequisites for valid microbiological test results
The basis of all microbiological investigations is the European Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. It contains guidelines on the safety and innocuousness of cosmetics. Results of a PST are required in the appendix of this regulation (safety report) for all cosmetics that are fundamentally subject to microbial risk. Generally, this concerns most water-containing cosmetics.
Do you have questions about measurement uncertainty or the microbiological testing of cosmetics? Contact us, we are happy to help!
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