The purpose of this study is to determine the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms in cosmetic samples, brought in by female students of the College of Health Sciences, and to identify these bacteria by microbiological analysis. A total of 100 expired, commercial cosmetic products, were provided by college students. They include: Mascaras, lipsticks, lip-glosses, eye shadows, eye-liners, foundation creams, body creams and talk powders. The products were tested for the presence of microorganisms by using general, enrichments and selective media. Microscopic examination and biochemical analysis (Catalase test and API test) were then performed for isolated pure cultures. 22% of the expired cosmetic products were contaminated to various degrees. Two types of yeasts were isolated: Candida Albicans, found in compact powder with a contamination rate of 20%, eye shadows, 6.6% and foundation creams, 10%. Rhodotorula yeast was isolated from eye liner with a contamination rate of 6.6%. In addition, three species of staphylococci were isolated: S. xylosus, S. warneri and S. schleiferi. Other bacterial species, like Micrococcus, Streptococcus and Bacillus species, were also isolated. These species are present normally on human skin as a normal micro-flora However, some of these microorganisms, known as opportunistic pathogens, may cause skin infection and irritation, especially, when sharing these products with others, as the micro-flora may vary from one person to another.
Citation :Jenan M. Al- Rifaaia, Aneesah M. Al Haddad, Yousef. S. N. Alrefaei (2021) Types of Bacteria Found in Cosmetics Used by Female College Students in Kuwait, European Journal of Biology and Medical Science Research, Vol.9, No.4, pp.20-33
Keywords: Contamination, Microorganism, Products, cosmetic, expired
