This study – and the other disturbing data found on microbial contamination in opened makeup products – demonstrate the critical need for modern preservatives, more than ever.

For the study, researchers tested 467 makeup products, ranging from opened lip gloss to used beauty blenders, for microbial content and identification. 

In addition to discovering high amounts of contamination in almost every product, the study also found 9 out of 10 products tested contained bacteria with the potential to cause infections, or even blood poisoning if used near the eyes, mouth or cut or grazed skin.

“About 79–90% of all used products were contaminated with bacteria, with bacterial loads ranging between 102 and 103 CFU per ml, beauty blenders contained an average load of >106 CFU per ml….Enterobacteriaceae and fungi were detected in all product types, and were prevalent in beauty blenders (26·58 and 56·96% respectively). Ninety‐three per cent of beauty blenders had not been cleaned and 64% had been dropped on the floor and continued to be used.” – “Microbiological study of used cosmetic products: highlighting possible impact on consumer health,” Journal of Applied Microbiology.

The researchers blame lack of clarity on expiration dates, poor consumer education, and bad hygiene practices for the heavy amounts of bacteria found in the used makeup.

The study’s authors recommended increased consumer education about the proper cleaning of makeup products and tools, as well as more prominently displayed expiration levels.

“Consumers’ poor hygiene practices when it comes to using make-up, especially beauty blenders, is very worrying when you consider that we found bacteria such as E.coli – which is linked with fecal contamination – breeding on the products we tested,” said Dr Amreen Bashir, lead author of the study from Aston University’s School of Life and Health Sciences.

In the meantime, formulators must do their part to continue to protect consumers from contamination with preservatives, the critical component in safe, effective, and long-lasting makeup formulations.

Preservatives help consumers stay safe first and foremost by inhibiting mold, bacteria, fungi, and other microbial growth in makeup products. Every time makeup is touched, either by the hands or with a tool, the natural flora, oil, and dirt from the skin or tool is transferred to the makeup products. 

But preservatives can help prevent this contamination, and slow microbial growth over the long haul, thus making opened makeup safer, for longer. Preservatives also help maintain the integrity of makeup: the smell, color, and texture of a product, while also extending the shelf life.

In short, preservatives are critical for safe makeup formulations – and help protect consumers from scary bacteria strains, infections, and even potential illness from contaminated products.

“It’s ironic that cosmetic consumers—who are a primary reason products need preservatives—are the force behind a movement to omit them from products,” writes Global Cosmetics Industry.

Preservatives are necessary to both maintain makeup product safety and protect consumers. For formulators and consumers alike, modern, innovative, clean preservatives present the ultimate way to create superb – and much safer – makeup products.

Take advantage of our new anti-aging guide, featuring the most innovative, highest-quality ingredients in the personal care industry.