ABSTRACT
The great diversity of intended uses identified by the act requires that successful preservation can only be established if one considers all aspects of development from concept and design through manufacturing to the last consumer use before disposal. Manufacturing processes and materials may compromise the stability of preservation. In order to explain the pathways to cosmetic microbiological quality including the strategies for preservation, it is necessary to identify the unique nature of cosmetic products. A number of cosmetic chemical and physical characteristics directly affect preservative efficacy and stability. The neophyte cosmetic microbiologist searching for effective preservatives may feel daunted by the few texts that review the general field of cosmetic preservation. The primary purpose of preservation is clearly to address contamination risks associated with consumer use. The objective of cosmetic preservation is clearly to maintain microbiological quality and most microbiologists would see consumer contamination as its primary challenge.
