Research in Medicine

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Background: The possibility that cosmetic products may act as vehicles for pathogen transfer is a major health concern. The risk of this occurring is higher with cosmetics used around eyes, which could be responsible for a number of infectious diseases. This study was performed to evaluate the bacteriological quality of these products in Iran and also to study factors that predispose to bacterial contamination. Materials and methods: We examined a total of 290 samples, including 145 eye mascara lashes and 145 eye marker, for bacterial contamination. The products were then used by volunteers under actual in-use conditions for 4 weeks. Before, during and after use, the products were evaluated for microbial contamination by using standard methods for identification. Results: More than 14.5% of the unused eye mascara were contaminated while about 2.7% of eye markers showed contamination before use. Bacillus spp. and coagulase negative staphylococci were the most commonly recovered bacteria. Contaminations of in-use samples were significantly higher than unused samples. Conclusion: Contamination was relatively common and presents a potential health hazard. The high level of microbial contamination among unused samples emphasizes quality control during manufacture, packing, and preservation.

Keywords: Bacterial contamination, Eye cosmetics, Iran.

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