Abstract

ISO 22718:2006 gives general guidelines for the detection and identification of the specified micro-organism Staphylococcus aureus in cosmetic products. Micro-organisms considered as specified in this International Standard might differ from country to country according to national practices or regulations.

In order to ensure product quality and safety for consumers, it is advisable to perform an appropriate microbiological risk analysis to determine the types of cosmetic product to which ISO 22718:2006 is applicable. Products considered to present a low microbiological risk include those with low water activity, hydro-alcoholic products, extreme pH values, etc.

The method described in ISO 22718:2006 is based on the detection of Staphylococcus aureus in a non-selective liquid medium (enrichment broth), followed by isolation on a selective agar medium. Other methods may be appropriate dependent on the level of detection required.

Because of the large variety of cosmetic products within this field of application, this method may not be appropriate for some products in every detail (e.g. certain water immiscible products). Other International Standards (ISO 18415) may be appropriate. Other methods (e.g. automated) may be substituted for the tests presented here provided that their equivalence has been demonstrated or the method has been otherwise validated.