Establishment and evaluation of preservation efficacy for preservative⁃free cosmetics sold online
10.19428/j.cnki.sjpm.2025.25011
- VernacularTitle:网售“无添加防腐剂”化妆品防腐效能方法建立及评价
- Author:
Yan YANG
1
;
Qiongqiong LI
1
;
Yiling FAN
1
Author Information
1. Shanghai Quality Inspection and Testing Center for Innovative Biological Products, NMPA Key Laboratory for Testing Technology of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai 201203, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
preservative-free;
cosmetic;
water activity;
unlisted preservative;
preservation efficacy
- From:
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine
2025;37(8):700-704
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveTo evaluate the inhibitory effect of online-sold “preservative-free” cosmetics against contaminated microorganisms during storage and use, to establish a method for assessing the preservative efficacy of such cosmetics, and to provide data support for the formulation of relevant standards. MethodsA total of 16 batches of cosmetics claiming preservative free were collected to determine their pH value, water activity, total aerobic microbial count (TAMC) and total molds and yeasts count (TYMC). Meanwhile, preservatives not listed in the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 edition) (referred to as “unlisted preservatives”) were screened. In addition, a preservative challenge test was conducted on these cosmetics. ResultsAll the 16 batches of samples were generally weakly acidic, and with a water activity ≥0.6, which were suitable for microbial growth. Unlisted preservative not labeled on the package was detected in one batch of cosmetic. The results of neutralizer verification showed that three batches required further dilution to eliminate the antimicrobial interference. After inoculation with challenge microorganisms and cultivation for 7 days, two batches of cosmetics did not achieve a bacterial reduction rate of 99.90%, and the fungal reduction rate did not reach 90.00% either. While another two batches of cosmetics experienced microbial growth during testing, indicating a failure of the preservative challenge test. The overall pass rate was 75.00%. ConclusionSome online-sold preservative free cosmetics have insufficient preservation efficacy and pose a certain risk of microbial contamination.
