Demonstration of in vitro antibacterial activity of the popular cosmetics items used by the Dhaka locality

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the antibacterial activity of cosmetic products commonly used by the community of Dhaka metropolis.MethodsA total of 10 categories of cosmetic samples (with a subtotal of 30 brands) were subjected to microbiological analysis through conventional culture and biochemical tests. Agar well diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial trait in the tested samples which was further confirmed by the minimum inhibitory concentration method.ResultsAll samples were found to be populated with bacteria and fungi up to 10 CFU/g and 103 CFU/g, respectively. Growth of Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Klebsiella spp. was recorded as well. Conversely, 7 out of 30 items were found to exhibit the in vitro antibacterial activity against an array of laboratory test bacterial species including Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp. and Listeria spp. Consequently, all the samples showed antibacterial activity below the concentration of 0.46 mg/mL as found in the minimum inhibitory concentration test.ConclusionsOverall, the presence of huge microbial population in cosmetic products is not acceptable from the point microbiological contamination level. The antibacterial trait of these items, in contrary, may draw an overall public health impact.