CTFA calls for feedback on microbiology guidelines
comment from industry members on soon-to-be published guidelines
for specific microbiology applications aimed at making personal
care products safer, reports Simon Pitman.
The CTFA is aiming to publish to guidelines, one entitled 'Microbiology Staff Training', and the other 'M-5: Methods for Preservation Testing of Nonwoven Substrate Personal Care Products'.
The training guide looks at all issues related to training personnel in the cosmetics microbiology laboratory, and the CTFA claims that it will contribute to the accuracy and quality of microbiology test results.
The other guideline offers methods that cover a variety of procedures currently used within the cosmetics industry to evaluate preservative efficacy of different types of nonwoven substrate, wipe or towlette products.
The aim of both the guidelines is to provide manufacturers that are developing methods for the establishment and maintenance of microbiological quality program within their companies for cosmetic and personal care products. The pamphlets describe the major areas in which microbiological aspects should be considered to assure finished product quality.
Microbiological research is forming an increasingly important part of cosmetic and personal care development as the trend goes towards natural cosmetics containing minimal preservatives.
Preservatives are an essential part of many cosmetics preparations, especially skin care products, as the proliferation of bacteria can reduce the efficacy of products as well as causing allergic reactions.
Additionally media campaigns targeting the dangers of specific preservatives such as parabens, has helped foster a general move away from harsh preservatives, towards more natural and less hazardous formulations.
The guides form part of the CTFA's Technical Guidelines series and describe major areas in which microbiological aspects should be considered to assure acceptable finished product quality.
The CTFA is calling upon industry members to provide their input as part of a comprehensive development and review process that involves CTFA technical committees as well as public review by CTFA members and nonmembers, federal government agencies and scientific professional societies.
An electronic copy of the draft guidelines is available from the CTFA Public Affairs Department.
