Microbiology TestingCosmetic & Personal Care Laboratory Services
- USP <61>, Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC) for Cosmetic and Personal Care Products Testing
- USP <61>, Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC) for Personal Care and Cosmetic Products Testing
- USP <51>, Antimicrobial Effectiveness for Personal Care and Cosmetics Products Testing
USP <61>, Total Aerobic Microbial Count, TAMC
- TAMC USP <61> provides very specific guidance for assessing total aerobic bioburden present in product.
- TAMC determines the total number of aerobic bacteria per mL (gram) of the cosmetics, personal care, or pharmaceutical product.
- TAMC method requires 48 to 72 hours incubation testing.
- TAMC is a mandatory mirobiological test for every lot of personal care product before sale to consumer.
Previous Page
USP <61>, Total Yeast and Mold Count, TYMC- TYMC USP <61> uses Aspergillus brasiliensis (ATCC 16404-mold) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231-yeast) as positive control.
- TYMC determines the total number of yeast and fungi per gram of the product.
- TYMC method requires a minimum of five to seven days of incubation testing.
Note: USP <61> and <62> methods of microbiological testing must include a positive control microbe and a negative control of diluents.
Previous Page
The antimicrobial efficacy test evaluates the effectiveness of preservatives used in the health, beauty, personal care, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products according to USP <51>.
Each of the known strains of pathogenic organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus brasiliensis) with predetermined colonies population are added to the product separately. Test sample colonies are counted at specified time intervals to determine the effectiveness of the preservative. The log reduction of the microorganism at day 7, 14, 21, and 28 are reported. This test requires 28 days of preservative efficacy. The test demonstrates the efficacy of the product to stop the growth of pathogenic organisms. At least 100-150 mL or grams of the product are necessary to run this test. The antimicrobial effectiveness test is required only once per product unless the product formula or the manufacturing process involved any modification.
Criteria for Tested Microorganisms in Preservative Effectiveness
Injections, parenterals including emulsions, otic products and sterile nasal products. Bacteria:
Not less than 1.0 log reduction from the initial calculated count at 7 days, not less than 3.0 log reduction from the initial count at 14 days, and no increase from the 14 days count at 28 days.
Yeast and Molds:
No increase from the initial calculated count at 7, 14, and 28 days.
Topically used products, nonsterile nasal products and emulsions.
Bacteria:
Not less than 2.0 log reduction from the initial count at 14 days, and no increase from the 14 days count at 28 days.
Yeast and Molds:
No increase from the initial calculated count at 14 and 28 days.
Oral products other than antacids.
Bacteria:
Not less than 1.0 log reduction from the initial count at 14 days, and no increase from the 14 days count at 28 days.
Yeast and Molds:
No increase from the initial calculated count at 14 and 28 days.
Antacids.
Bacteria, Yeast,
and Molds:No increase from the initial calculated count at 14 and 28 days.