Pseudomonas aeruginosa was predominant among most
samples except in 45% of the total samples investigated
(Table 2). Only moisturizing cream showed the presence
of Proteus vulgaris while both moisturizing and body
butter cream samples contained E.coli during the
microbial examination of the cosmetic products. The
presence of Salmonella sp was only observed in powder
sample. The common yeast observed during the course of
this investigation was Candida albican while Aspergillus
species was observed in up to 50% of the total sample
examined. However, there was no microbial growth on
seven samples. The presence of E.coli in body butter
cream indicate poor hygiene condition from manufacturer
and this can be controlled by sanitary processing and
using appropriate and adequate preservatives. According
to the European Union (EU) legislation, cosmetic
products must not contain more than 1,000 CFU/g cream
while Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and Candida albicans must not be detectable in 0.5 g of
the product.
29
The result on table 1, indicate that about
80% 0f the samples tested were within the microbial load
specification of the European union standard considering
the manufacturing dates on products but the presence of
Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Candida albicans in most of the samples nullifies the
sanitary conditions of the manufacturing processes of
these products . The present study is in tandem with the
previous findings of Abdelaziz et al; who reported
cosmetic creams to harbour a high number of bacteria
and fungi including hazardous type such as:
Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus spp.