Antimicrobial Testing Services
MIC, MBC, zone of inhibition, and antimicrobial effectiveness testing for supplements and cosmetics.
Antimicrobial testing evaluates a substance's ability to inhibit or kill microorganisms through MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration), MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration), zone of inhibition, and preservative efficacy testing per USP <51> and ISO 11930 standards.
Antimicrobial testing evaluates a product's ability to inhibit or kill microbial organisms. Qalitex Laboratories provides validated antimicrobial activity tests for natural ingredient brands, cosmetic preservative systems, and supplement products making antimicrobial claims.
Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)
MIC testing determines the lowest concentration of a substance that inhibits visible growth of a microorganism after overnight incubation. We test against a panel of standard organisms including S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans.
Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC)
The MBC is the lowest concentration that kills ≥99.9% of the initial inoculum. MBC data is required for products making bactericidal claims and for natural preservative systems in cosmetics.
Preservative Efficacy (Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing)
Per USP <51> and ISO 11930, we perform challenge testing to evaluate whether a cosmetic or pharmaceutical preservative system maintains product safety throughout its shelf life and during consumer use.
Tests & Methods Included
- ✓ MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration)
- ✓ MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration)
- ✓ Zone of inhibition (Kirby-Bauer)
- ✓ Antimicrobial effectiveness test (USP <51>)
- ✓ Time-kill studies
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
- USP <51> Antimicrobial Effectiveness
- ISO 11930:2019
- CLSI M7-A guidelines
- EUCAST breakpoints
Industries We Serve
- Natural antimicrobial ingredient suppliers
- Cosmetics with preservative claims
- Supplement brands with antimicrobial ingredients
- Personal care products
Request a Quote
Pricing depends on your product. Tell us what you need and we'll email a detailed quote within 24 hours.
Get a Quote →Frequently Asked Questions
What is MIC testing?
Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) testing determines the lowest concentration of a substance that inhibits visible growth of a microorganism after overnight incubation. Qalitex tests against standard organisms including S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans.
What is the difference between MIC and MBC?
MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) measures the lowest concentration that inhibits microbial growth, while MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration) measures the lowest concentration that kills 99.9% or more of the organisms. MBC data is required for products making bactericidal claims.
Does Qalitex perform antimicrobial effectiveness testing for cosmetics?
Yes, Qalitex performs antimicrobial effectiveness testing per USP <51> and ISO 11930, evaluating whether a cosmetic or pharmaceutical preservative system maintains product safety throughout its shelf life and during consumer use.
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Why brands choose Qalitex for antimicrobial testing
48-hr turnaround
Signed CoA in 48–72 hours
Direct scientist access
Talk to the chemist running your tests
No minimums
1 SKU or 100 — same quality
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Get a Testing Quote →Disclaimer: Testing results provided by Qalitex Laboratories are analytical data intended for quality control purposes. They do not constitute legal, regulatory, or compliance advice. Clients are solely responsible for ensuring their products comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Consult qualified regulatory counsel for compliance decisions.