Bacteriological quality of skin-moisturizing creams and lotions distributed in a tropical developing country

To evaluate the bacteriological quality of skin moisturizing products in the South-west part of Nigeria and study factors predisposing their bacterial contamination under tropical conditions.

Viable counts for bacteria exceeded 10(3) cfu ml(-1) or cfu g(-1) in 8 (16.3%) commercially available creams and lotions at time of purchase. Escherichia coli (8), Pseudomonas spp. (7), Staphylococcus spp. (9) and Bacillus spp. (6) were the most commonly recovered bacteria. Following use by volunteers, the proportion of E. coli and other Gram-negative organisms recovered increased. Organic matter, particularly in the absence of preservatives, enhanced survival and growth of bacteria in creams stored under ambient tropical conditions during challenge experiments.

Contaminated products are relatively uncommon but some products present a potential health hazard because they are unable to suppress the growth of organisms of likely faecal origin during use.

Quality assurance during manufacture, pack size, preservative evaluation, organic matter and water content were identified as factors to be considered during the development of creams and lotions for use in tropical developing countries.