Contamination at the Cosmetics Counter

Have you ever stopped at a department store cosmetics counter to try out makeup samples? If so, you may want to avoid the practice in the future. Recent testing by a professor at Rowan University in New Jersey has revealed staph and strep contamination, as well as E. coli, in the majority of these products. The professor, Dr. Elizabeth Brooks, tested skin, eye and lip makeup from 20 cosmetic companies.

Bacteria and other germs

The bacteria found in the samples can cause such infections as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and acne. Bacteria can enter your skins' pores and multiply. E. coli is a fecal contaminant, meaning someone with poor bathroom hygiene can touch and taint a makeup sample. An unsuspecting customer who tests the makeup a few minutes later can apply contaminated makeup to her face. Some samples found at makeup counters also have been found to be infected with molds and other fungi organisms.

Preservatives

When you open a container of makeup, microorganisms from the air can enter. That is why cosmetics contain preservatives, which kill such bacteria and keep the products from becoming infected.

When you use cosmetics in your home, the preservatives within them usually have a whole day to kill bacteria that may have entered. In the store, however - especially during busy weekend hours - there may be a gap of only minutes between each use, which does not give preservatives enough time to act.

Avoiding infection

For the same reason, sharing your own cosmetics with a friend can also spread contamination. Makeup can become infected with bacteria that the brush or applicator picks up from the skin. Moistening an applicator or brush with saliva can make contamination even worse.

Since there are no regulations regarding makeup counter samples, use them at your own risk. Some stores clean samples regularly, or throw them out if they see people applying them to skin or lips directly. Some companies require salespeople to dip samples in alcohol and dry them off before offering them to customers. In addition to alcohol, many salespeople use cotton balls, antibacterial brushes and Q-tips® to apply makeup.

If you feel you must test, here are some tips to make it safer:

• Test makeup on your wrist or the back of your hand instead of applying it to your face or lips directly.
• Always clean your hands first to prevent exposing makeup to bacteria.
• Insist on a new, unused applicator before testing any product.
• Use testers during weekdays. Makeup counters are busiest on weekends and preservatives are not given a chance to work because of the continuous exposure. Bacteria that formed over a busy weekend will start to die off as the week progresses.
• Wash your skin immediately after trying on makeup.
• Don't try on lipstick or eye makeup, even if a cotton swab is provided.
• Use makeup counters where samples are dipped in alcohol before being offered to customers. Alcohol may help kill bacteria.
• Close makeup containers tightly when not in use.
• Keep makeup out of sunlight. Sunlight can destroy preservatives.
• Don't use eye cosmetics if you have any type of eye infection. If you discover an infection, discard any makeup you were using at the time.

If there is bacterial growth on makeup, you may notice a change - either in its color, smell or consistency - at which point it should be thrown out. It is recommended that mascara be discarded after three months.

Related Articles Conjunctivitis Fighting Back Against Adult Acne

External Sources Rowan University U.S. Food and Drug Administration

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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