--- title: "Microbiological Testing" description: "Assess microbiological quality and preservation." image: "https://cosmetic-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/preservative-testing-service-1200x1200-1.webp" --- # Microbiological Testing > Assess microbiological quality and preservation. Source: https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing Created: 2025-05-09T09:13:47+00:00 Modified: 2026-10-25T11:23:41+00:00 Author: Emilie SCHOL Microbiological Testing | Cosmetic Labs ## What is Microbiological Testing? Microbiological testing assesses a cosmetic product’s microbiological quality and preservation. This category separates the executed challenge test from whole-system preservation assessment, microbiological stability during storage and contamination screening. Ingredient-level antimicrobial activity testing and preservative system optimisation are separate services. ### Why do you need this service? Use microbiological testing to distinguish existing contamination, response to a deliberate challenge and preservation performance as a product ages. Select the service for the decision rather than treating one microbial count as a complete preservation assessment. ## Be the first company on this service page No published company profiles are linked to Microbiological Testing or its more specific services yet. Explore the service categories or add an explicitly supported capability to your company profile. [List your company](https://cosmetic-labs.com/account/companies/new) Definition ## Cosmetic microbiological testing Microbiological work asks whether contamination is present, how a product controls deliberately introduced organisms and how that protection changes during storage. Results depend on the sampled product, method and conditions. ### Contamination and challenge testing [Microbial contamination screening](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing/contamination-screening) measures the condition of the submitted sample. [Preservative challenge testing](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing/preservative-challenge) deliberately inoculates the product and evaluates recovery at defined sampling points. The selected method, such as ISO 11930 where appropriate, determines organisms and acceptance criteria. ### Protection as the product ages [Microbiological stability during storage](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing/microbiological-stability) examines microbiological condition and preservation performance over specified storage conditions. A result from a fresh sample does not automatically establish how the product behaves later. ### Whole-system assessment [Preservation system efficacy assessment](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing/preservative-efficacy) considers formula, packaging, intended use and available evidence together. Ingredient antimicrobial activity alone cannot establish adequate protection of the finished product. Choose the service for the unresolved decision. Low-water formats may need a different risk assessment, but none of these services alone guarantees sterility or protection in every consumer-use condition. ## 4 subcategories of Microbiological Testing services [Microbial Contamination Screening](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing/contamination-screening) Test your product for microbial contamination. Emilie SCHOL [Preservation System Efficacy Assessment](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing/preservative-efficacy) Assess your product’s overall preservation strategy. Emilie SCHOL [Preservative Challenge Testing (PET)](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing/preservative-challenge) Test preservative efficacy with a microbial challenge test. Emilie SCHOL [Microbiological Stability During Storage](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing/microbiological-stability) Assess microbiological stability during product storage. Emilie SCHOL Applications ## Choosing a microbiological service A contamination screen describes the submitted sample. Preservative challenge testing deliberately introduces selected organisms and evaluates recovery using the chosen method’s criteria. Storage studies investigate microbiological condition and, where tested, preservation performance over time. A whole-system assessment considers formula, packaging, intended use and the available test evidence together. Low-water products may present different risks, but water activity, handling and pack design need evaluation rather than an automatic exemption based on product format. Undiluted pH is not meaningful for every anhydrous product. Use the actual formula and intended packaging when discussing the scope. Timing, organisms and acceptance criteria follow the selected method and risk question. None of these services promises sterility or protection under every condition of consumer use. ExplorationLearn more about Cosmetic Quality TestingExplore cosmetic quality tests for composition, texture, preservation, stability and packaging compatibility, with evidence matched to your question. Explore another Cosmetic Quality Testing page on cosmetic-labs.com. #### [Physicochemical Testing](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/characterization) Characterise cosmetic composition, structure and physical behaviour through active content, particle, pH, flow and molecular-property measurements. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/characterization) #### [Texture Colour Testing](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/texture-sensory) Measure cosmetic texture, spreading, applicator transfer and colour with suitable instruments to compare formulations and inform product specifications. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/texture-sensory) #### [Skin Absorption Studies](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/penetration-studies) Choose cosmetic penetration and delivery studies by your question: skin uptake, layer distribution, comparative delivery or release over time. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/penetration-studies) #### [Stability & Packaging Compatibility](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/compatibility-testing) Investigate stability and packaging compatibility through storage studies and contact testing, with evidence informing cosmetic shelf-life decisions. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/compatibility-testing) Continue with [Google](https://cosmetic-labs.com/?lean_auth=start&provider=google&redirect_to=https://cosmetic-labs.com/&error_return=https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing) [LinkedIn](https://cosmetic-labs.com/?lean_auth=start&provider=linkedin&redirect_to=https://cosmetic-labs.com/&error_return=https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/in-vitro-testing/cosmetic-quality-testing/preservative-testing) What does “Verified” mean? Verified means the claimant’s company affiliation was checked. Something not right?Let us know if any information on this page is incorrect or if you have concerns about who manages it. [Report an issue](https://cosmetic-labs.com/platform/contact) © 2026 Cosmetic Labs. 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