ABSTRACT

Expectedly, cosmetics (creams) should be produced under sterile condition to meet acceptable standard. While they must not be unduly contaminated with microorganism they should remain in a stable state throughout the shelf life of the product (or when been used by the consumer). The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological quality of some commonly used whitening creams and to identify the specific microbial contaminants using standard microbiological methods. Results from the study confirmed that the 10 body creams sampled were contaminated with known bacterial and fungal pathogens, although the rate of contamination varied. The total viable bacteria count of the creams sampled were within the range of 1.2x10² to 6.6x10² respectively and the total viable fungi count of the cream sampled were within range of 1.2x10² to 1.8x10². The bacterial isolates encountered in the cream samples were Staphylocoocus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus pyrogenes. The fungal isolates identified from the creams sampled were: Rhizopus sp, Fusarium sp, Mucor sp, Penicillum sp, and Aspergillus fumigatus. The bacterial and fungi count of all the cream samples exceeded world health organization (WHO). The minimum inhibitory concentration of the whitening creams against Staphylococcus aureus (400mg/ml), Bacillus subtilis (1500mg/ml) and Streptococcus pyrogenes shows that there was parallel zone of inhibition of the organism against the ten (10) whitening creams. Others show that there was zone of inhibition and no zone of inhibition. These isolates are known to cause diseases of man and animals and their presence in the body creams is a public health concern. This calls for an amendement in the existing formulation protocol and strict adoption of good manufacturing practices to eliminate the entry and proliferation of these organisms. Also, there should be necessary regular training for manufacturing companies and improved Good manufacturing Practice.