scope:

This International Standard gives general guidelines for the detection and identification of the specified microorganism Candida albicans in cosmetic products. Microorganisms considered as specified in this International Standard might differ from country to country according to national practices or regulations. In order to ensure product quality and safety for consumers, it is advisable to perform an appropriate microbiological risk analysis so as to determine the types of cosmetic product to which this International Standard is applicable. Products considered to present a low microbiological risk include those with low water activity, hydro-alcoholic products, those with extreme pH values, etc. The method described in this International Standard is based on the detection of Candida albicans in a nonselective liquid medium (enrichment broth), followed by isolation on a selective agar medium. Other methods may be appropriate dependent on the level of detection required.