Bacterial contamination of eye cosmetics before and after use in Iran

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.

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.

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.

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.