Jun 16, 2026 - Cosmetics

Rarely contaminated: the investigations by authorities also confirm an overall good status for cosmetics

The relevant press releases and annual reports of the state examination offices are a constant source of information. In Lower Saxony, the LAVES examined 429 cosmetic samples (2023). Only four were microbiologically noticeable: two due to high germ counts (assessed by surveillance as "produced under non-optimal conditions"). Two contained specific pests ("health hazard"): Pluralibacter gergoviae and Burkholderia cepacia were each detectable once. The former shows the so-called "Phoenix effect." This means that the smallest surviving germ counts – often barely detectable culturally – can explode under optimal conditions. Burkholderia cepacia is one of the "emerging pathogens," detected in preserved mouthwash solutions, can cause nosocomial infections, form biofilms, and should therefore not be detectable in the cosmetic operation.

Microbiological quality control of cosmetics, preservative challenge tests, safety assessments as well as site inspections and hygiene training are among our main areas of work.

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