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ISO 17025 Accredited

Microbiology Testing for Cosmetics — Expert Lab Services

Expert microbiology testing tailored for cosmetics brands. Regulatory-compliant testing with COA documentation for product safety and market access.

ISO 17025 Accredited 48-Hour Turnaround Available 500+ Test Methods FDA-Compliant Reporting Dual Locations: Irvine & San Diego, CA

Quick Answer

Microbiology Testing for cosmetics involves analyzing product samples using validated scientific methods to verify safety, purity, potency, and regulatory compliance. Accredited labs like Qalitex use instrumentation such as HPLC, ICP-MS, and microbiology assays to generate Certificates of Analysis (COA) required by FDA, Amazon, and retail partners.

Cosmetics brands require specialized testing to ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust. Qalitex Laboratories provides microbiology testing specifically designed for the cosmetics industry. Qalitex Laboratories specializes in microbiological testing services designed to verify product safety, extend shelf life, and support regulatory compliance. Our testing protocols follow USP <61> and <62>, AOAC guidelines, and FDA regulations, ensuring your products meet the strictest standards for microbial safety. Our testing protocols are calibrated to the unique requirements of cosmetics products, from raw material verification to finished goods release testing.

Microbiology Testing Tailored for Cosmetics

The cosmetics industry has specific testing requirements driven by FDA regulations, marketplace compliance (Amazon, retail), and consumer safety expectations. Qalitex designs testing panels specifically for cosmetics products, ensuring you meet all applicable standards while optimizing your testing budget. Our scientists understand the unique matrices and formulation challenges of cosmetics products.

Microbial Limit Testing

Our comprehensive microbial limit tests detect and quantify total aerobic microbial counts (TAMC), total yeast and mold counts (TYMC), and specific objectionable organisms including E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pathogen Screening

Our pathogen screening covers Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, Clostridium, and other pathogens relevant to your product type. Early detection prevents product recalls and protects consumers.

Preservative Efficacy Testing (Challenge Testing)

Preservative efficacy testing (PET), also known as challenge testing, assesses how well a product's preservative system inhibits microbial growth over time. Vital for products with water content or susceptible to contamination during use. We follow USP <51>, ISO 11930, and industry best practices.

Key Tests & Methods

Total aerobic microbial count (TAMC)
Total yeast & mold count (TYMC)
Pathogen detection (E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria)
Preservative efficacy testing (PET)
Yeast & mold enumeration
Raw material microbiology

Applicable Standards

USP <61> Microbial EnumerationUSP <62> Specified MicroorganismsUSP <51> Antimicrobial EffectivenessISO 11930FDA 21 CFR Part 111AOAC validated methods

Industries We Serve

Dietary supplements
Cosmetics & beauty products
Personal care
Dry foods & botanicals
Amazon FBA sellers

How It Works

Three simple steps to your results

01

Submit your samples

Ship samples to our Irvine or San Diego laboratory with your order form.

02

Testing & analysis

Our ISO 17025 accredited scientists run validated test methods.

03

Receive your CoA

Get a signed Certificate of Analysis within 48–72 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What microbiology testing do cosmetics brands need?

Cosmetics brands typically require identity testing, purity analysis, contaminant screening (heavy metals, pesticides, microbiology), and potency verification. Specific requirements depend on the product type, target market, and applicable regulations (FDA, FTC, state laws).

Do you provide COA reports for cosmetics products?

Yes. Every test at Qalitex generates a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) that includes test methods, results, specifications, and pass/fail determinations. Our COAs are accepted by FDA, Amazon, retailers, and international regulatory bodies.

Is Qalitex Laboratories ISO 17025 accredited?

Yes. Qalitex Laboratories holds ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories. This ensures our methods, equipment, and quality systems meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

What is your turnaround time?

Standard turnaround is 5–7 business days. Rush service with 48-hour turnaround is available for most test types. Contact us to discuss your timeline requirements.

What types of products do you test?

Qalitex tests dietary supplements (capsules, powders, gummies, liquids), cosmetics and personal care products, food and beverage items, botanical extracts, and raw materials. We serve brands, contract manufacturers, and Amazon FBA sellers.

How do I submit samples for testing?

Ship your samples to our Irvine or San Diego laboratory with a completed sample submission form. We provide prepaid shipping labels for qualifying orders. Results are delivered electronically via secure portal.

What microbiology tests does Qalitex perform?

Qalitex performs total aerobic microbial count (TAMC), total yeast and mold count (TYMC), pathogen detection for E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas, as well as preservative efficacy testing (PET) per USP <51> and ISO 11930.

Ready to get started?

Request a quote for microbiology testing for cosmetics. Our team responds within 24 hours.