Select Page

What Is Cosmetic Testing?

Cosmetic testing refers to a variety of tests that evaluate the safety and quality of cosmetic and personal products. These tests are conducted on beauty products to identify potential allergens and toxic microorganisms, and to assess their stability and performance.

Cosmetic microbiology safety testing helps protect consumers from health risks by analyzing ingredients and contaminants that can cause irritations or infections. Once these substances are identified and removed, you can introduce safe products that comply with industry standards.

Why Businesses Choose Accugen

Accurate cosmetic product microbial contamination screening can only be achieved through a sound quality assurance and control program. Leading beauty companies choose to work with Accugen for our state-of-the-art laboratory, standardized testing methods, and qualified microbiologists who consistently perform reliable analyses.

Tested and certified by experts

With decades of specialized experience and qualifications, our team of microbiologists ensures that every product receives the highest standard of testing.

Costs that make sense for your business

With a commitment to delivering world-class cosmetic testing, we ensure your products meet the highest standards at the best prices.

Accurate results, delivered on time

Our streamlined processes and rigorous methodology ensure your products are tested precisely, and your time-to-market is never compromised.

Cosmetic Testing Services

Our regulatory cosmetic microbiology assessments include, but are not limited to, the following:

Aerobic Plate Count (APC)

This test determines the total number of aerobic bacteria in a product. The duration of this test is typically 48 to 72 hours.

Yeast and Mold Count

This test determines the overall number of yeast and fungi in the product. It is carried out for five days.

Antimicrobial Effectiveness Test (Challenge Test)

This 28-day-long test evaluates the effectiveness of an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetic products. Samples are tested at various intervals to determine the survival of the organisms. The test also demonstrates the efficacy of the product to stop the growth of organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)

This test determines the lowest concentration of the product that inhibits the visible growth of microorganisms.

Zone of Inhibition Test

This test measures how effectively a product or ingredient, such as an antimicrobial agent, prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. It is commonly used to evaluate antimicrobial properties in products like creams, lotions, soaps, wipes, and preservatives.

USP 60 Microbiological Examination of Non-Sterile Products: Tests for Burkholderia cepacia Complex

Screens pharmaceutical water systems for Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), an objectionable organism known to survive and proliferate in low-nutrient aqueous environments.

Cosmetic Products We Test

We regularly conduct microbiology tests, including preservative efficacy testing, for cosmetics to help manufacturers and distributors confirm these products remain safe and efficient throughout their intended shelf life and consumer use.

Some of the products our experts test include:

  • Skin care products
  • Hair care products
  • Makeup and color cosmetics
  • Oral care products
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Baby care products
  • Fragrances and deodorants

How to Submit a Sample

1

Order a test kit

2

Collect your sample

3

Ship to the lab

4

Receive your results

Request a Quote

What Our Clients Say

“
Accugen performs routine microbiological testing for our cosmetic and OTC products. They have a very friendly and attentive staff. All reports are sent to us in a timely manner. Very happy with their service and will continue to use them for the foreseeable future.
Maliha S.

“
I rate very highly of Accugen Laboratories Inc. and its personnel, who performs microbiological testing on our products. Very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Their turnaround time exceeded our expectations. Stayed in contact before and after analysis. We will continue to use them for our testing.

Dr.Rounaq S

“
Highly professional, provide quality data and detailed reports. Great customer service. They really care about providing excellent services.Accugen is the best microbiology testing lab and we highly recommend it.

Iram Z.

Custom Protocols and FDA Detention Import Testing

Accugen helps businesses provide trustworthy evidence that their products meet safety standards when a shipment is placed under FDA import detention. We perform targeted microbiological and stability tests that follow FDA requirements and established detention protocols.

Our team works closely with clients to develop custom testing plans based on the specific reason for detention. We employ appropriate sampling, analysis, and reporting methods to provide clear documentation showing accurate results with fast turnaround times so you can respond quickly and reduce delays.

Talk to a microbiologist →

A Trusted Partner for Laboratory Testing

Accugen Laboratories, Inc. is an FDA-registered microbiological testing laboratory with nearly 30 years of experience in cosmetic testing. Our team of credentialed microbiologists brings rigorous scientific standards to every sample we process.

More About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Speak with a microbiologist.

Contact Us

What microbiology tests are required for cosmetic products?

Manufacturers use several microbiological tests to assess the safety and quality of cosmetic products. These tests commonly include aerobic plate count (APC), yeast and mold count, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and zone of inhibition testing to help monitor microbial contamination risks.

What is preservative efficacy (challenge) testing?

Preservative efficacy testing, also called an antimicrobial effectiveness test or challenge testing for personal care formulations, evaluates how well a preservative system in a cosmetic product prevents microbial growth over time. The test runs for 28 days, with samples assessed at defined intervals to determine whether target organisms survive.

How is microbial contamination assessed in personal care items?

Microbial contamination in personal care items is assessed using standardized laboratory tests that quantify bacterial and mold levels in the formulation. Aerobic plate count (APC) measures the total bacterial load, while yeast and mold count testing detects fungal contamination.

What organisms are used in cosmetic challenge tests?

Cosmetic challenge testing involves exposing products to microorganisms commonly associated with contamination in personal care formulations. Organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans are often used to assess preservative effectiveness against both gram-positive and gram-negative microbes.

What regulations govern cosmetic microbiology testing?

Cosmetic microbiology testing in the United States is primarily guided by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), including USP <51> for Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing and USP <61>/<62> for microbial examination of non-sterile products. The FDA also sets safety standards under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Accugen Labs conducts USP-compliant microbiological testing to help cosmetic and personal care manufacturers meet these regulatory requirements with confidence.