Firstly, you really don't sterilize, you are sanitizing. Sterile properties are only maintained or achieved in a sterile manufacturing setting such as a laminar flow hood.
Your first and best measure is to buy packaging components from a reputable supplier, keep the outer packaging secure as long as possible and to try not to stock more than you can use within a reputable period.
Soap, hot water and bleach are out for multiple reasons. In sanitary cGMP manufacturing, spraying surfaces and components with a 70% Isopropyl alcohol solution is quite common.
markfuller@microformulation.com Microformulation.com Microformulation Cosmetic Consulting provides Custom Formulations for both large Commercial accounts as well as smaller entrepreneurs. We can provide Naturally compliant Formulations under the NSF, NPA, Whole Foods and USDA Organic Certifications. BS.Pharm Albany College of Pharmacy, Union University.
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In the US and many other places, IPA is easier to get and works as well. You have the right ABV though. Several years ago a Microbiologist mentioned that he had observed that the 90% IPA or in your case 190 proof Ethanol did not work as well. He postulated that it had to do with contact time. I will have to see if he published his findings.
markfuller@microformulation.com Microformulation.com Microformulation Cosmetic Consulting provides Custom Formulations for both large Commercial accounts as well as smaller entrepreneurs. We can provide Naturally compliant Formulations under the NSF, NPA, Whole Foods and USDA Organic Certifications. BS.Pharm Albany College of Pharmacy, Union University.
I use Hydrogen peroxide for processing containers after washing them with glass washing liquids. Usually I get 20 cfu/g in the end. To be confident of the required 3% concentration I use 7% Hydrogen peroxide.
To dry the containers I just leave them upside down to air dry, doesn't take long.
Cosmetic Brand Creation. Concept to name to IMPI search to logo and brand registration. In-house graphic design inc. Pantone specs. Cosmetic label and box design & graphics.
Hydrogen peroxide can be reactive, hence the reason it is avoided.
Alcohol will evaporate after being sprayed on as a sanitizer.
markfuller@microformulation.com Microformulation.com Microformulation Cosmetic Consulting provides Custom Formulations for both large Commercial accounts as well as smaller entrepreneurs. We can provide Naturally compliant Formulations under the NSF, NPA, Whole Foods and USDA Organic Certifications. BS.Pharm Albany College of Pharmacy, Union University.
Why. you don't need sterilization. Just sanitary conditions. If you have ever done any sterile laminar manufacturing, you would see how pointless it is in sterilizing a component that will then subsequently be processed under sanitary conditions. Complete overkill.
markfuller@microformulation.com Microformulation.com Microformulation Cosmetic Consulting provides Custom Formulations for both large Commercial accounts as well as smaller entrepreneurs. We can provide Naturally compliant Formulations under the NSF, NPA, Whole Foods and USDA Organic Certifications. BS.Pharm Albany College of Pharmacy, Union University.
Robert Zonis, Sr. Formulation Chemist, Beaumont Products "All opinions and comments expressed are my own, have no relation to Beaumont Products, are fully copyrighted, and may not be used without written permission."
I would be cautious using strong oxidizers like bleach. I use 70% IPA
You only need sterile untensils if your concoctions would require an ISO certified clean room in a laminar airflow workbench for example, like Mark points out. Unless you prepare parenterals etc there is no need for sterilizing.
Comments
Your first and best measure is to buy packaging components from a reputable supplier, keep the outer packaging secure as long as possible and to try not to stock more than you can use within a reputable period.
Soap, hot water and bleach are out for multiple reasons. In sanitary cGMP manufacturing, spraying surfaces and components with a 70% Isopropyl alcohol solution is quite common.
Alcohol will evaporate after being sprayed on as a sanitizer.
If you want to be super cautious, run your glassware and small items in a dishwasher and then dip them in the alcohol bath.
For larger pieces of equipment, spray everything down with IPA and let air dry.
See website for details www.desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com
I use 70% IPA
You only need sterile untensils if your concoctions would require an ISO certified clean room in a laminar airflow workbench for example, like Mark points out. Unless you prepare parenterals etc there is no need for sterilizing.