• Hair

  Which Microbiological test kit is right for my application?

  Posted by simflyer905 on August 21, 2021 at 2:14 am

  Currently preserving a hair gel product using a combination of Ethylhexyglycerin and PhenoxyEthanol.  It seems to have a pretty good reputation as a preservative system, as it’s broad based and can be used at up to 1%.    I am going to invest in some dip-paddle type test kit so I can start to prove my preservative holds up before I attempt more expensive challenge testing by a lab.  Noticed there are various test types:

  1) Fungi, Yeast, Mold
  2) Bacteria, non-fastiduous
  3) Microorganisms (TSA) & yeasts and molds (RB)
  4) Total coliform count (TCC) and non-lactose fermenting

  My product would have fingers going in it every day to retrieve hair product and apply to the hair.  It does not apply direct to skin, but I suppose some could get on the skin if one was not careful.   My product is mainly distilled water, but is brought to near boiling temp along with some other emulsifying ingredients before packaging.   

  Would appreciate any input on the type of test I should use.   My gut tells me the yeast, mould, fungi, as that is what my preservative is aimed at preventing.

  Thanks,

  S

  PhilGeis replied 3 years, 3 months ago 2 Members · 1 Reply

  • hair product
  • preservative
• 1 Reply

• 

  PhilGeis

  Member

  August 21, 2021 at 11:02 am

  Appreciate your concern for effective preservation but you can NOT do this yourself.  Not sure how you would even attempt this as you will need to add microbes.
  You must submit your product to a qualified lab.
  The system  addresses bacteria, esp. Gram negative bacteria, and needs something that will address fungal contamination - do you know pH of your product?  

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