Aug 26, 2026 - Cosmetics
Preservation – indispensable for microbiologically safe cosmetics
All cosmetic products placed on the market must be safe in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. A key issue in terms of safety is adequate preservation or the choice of a suitable preservation system. Excluded from this are so-called microbiologically low-risk products. These include, for example, anhydrous products, products with extreme pH values, or cosmetics with a very high solvent content. In general, the addition of preservatives is not required for such products.
We have the expertise to support you on the subject of preservation and in selecting a suitable preservation system. Specifically, we help you with the following questions:
- Does my product need to be preserved at all?
- What do I do if my cosmetic fails or only partially passes the preservative challenge test (PCT)?
- Which preservatives are effective against which types of microorganisms?
- May I increase the amount of preservative already added?
- Which preservatives are generally possible and appropriate for my type of product?
- Which preservatives are permitted according to Annex V of the European Cosmetics Regulation?
Of course we also support and advise you on positive microbiological findings and on how best to respond. Non-conformities are repeatedly found, among others, with the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pluralibacter gergoviae.
In addition to preservation consulting, we provide all necessary tests and regulatory compliance to meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.
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