Objective To study the viability of S.aureus in common cosmetics and the sensitivities of different detection methods adopted in detecting faecal coliform. Methods A standard method stated in "Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics" and lactose-bile salt medium improved by adding neutralizers were adopted in detecting Faecal coliform. Results The amounts of S.aureus dropped gradually as the prolongation of preservation period and in cosmetics containing or not containing antiseptics were different too. In detecting Faecal coliform, the sensitivity of the improved method was higher than that of the standard method. Conclusion Some ingredients of common cosmetics, especially antiseptics, obviously affected the viability of S.aureus. The lactose-bile salt broths containing Lecithin and Tween 80 were much better than those not containing Lecithin and Tween 80 in detecting faecal coliform.