Microbiological Quality Assessment of Some Brands of Cosmetics Eye Preparations Sold in Libyan Markets

Background Cosmetic products must be safe to use by the consumers. It is also regulated and required the legislation of countries all over the world. Cosmetic products must be free of pathogenic microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosae) and the total aerobic microbial count must be low. Objective of the study the study was aimed at determining the microbiological quality of some brands of cosmetic eye preparations randomly sold from local markets in Libya. Materials & methods A total of 99 samples of different brands of cosmetic eye preparations were analyzed. Results & discussion Results showed that most of the products were contaminated. Gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium perferingens were specifically detected. However all tested samples were free from Gram negative bacteria. A total viable bacterial count ranging from 2.0 X 102 to 8.0 X 104 cfu/g. The moulds isolated from the cosmetic eye preparations include Penicillium spp. , Alternaria spp. and Asperigillus. spp. However Candida spp. was completely absent from the samples analyzed. Conclusion The cosmetic eye preparations of the studied samples showed to be more contaminated with bacteria than fungi. This may be as a result of poor manufacturing practices, poor hygiene, contaminated raw materials or the susceptibility of the ingredients contained in the cosmetic eye preparations. Therefore, good manufacturing practices and hygiene must be carried out by the manufacturers and personnel. Water must be tested continuously for microbial growth and raw materials should be tested before use especially those of natural origin and cosmetic eye preparations should be stored in an aseptic environment to avoid contamination before vending in the markets.