Challenge Test (Protective Effectiveness Test)

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Challenge Test (Protective Effectiveness Test)
CHALLENGE TEST – ANTIMICROBIAL PROTECTIVE EFFECTIVENESS TEST

It is a test performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the protective systems of cosmetic products. It is also called the crawl-challenge test. This test is performed to determine how effective the product is against the growth of microorganisms.

Cosmetic products can create suitable environments for the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, it is important that products have appropriate protective systems to be safe for users. Challenge testing is performed to determine how effective the product's protective system is potentially against microorganisms.

The testing process usually includes these steps:
  1. Selection of microorganisms: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Aspergillus brasiliensis (ATCC 16404). These microorganisms represent the microorganisms to which the product may generally be exposed.
  2. Production of microorganisms: Selected microorganisms are grown in a laboratory environment and prepared at a certain density.
  3. Adding microorganisms to the product: Selected microorganisms are added to the product. During this stage, a suitable environment is created for microorganisms to grow within the product to simulate the real-world conditions of the test.
  4. Incubation process: The product is incubated at appropriate temperature and time conditions in which microorganisms can grow.
  5. Microbiological analysis: Microbiological analysis is performed by taking samples from the product at 7, 14 and 28 days after the concentration of microorganisms remaining after 0 hours. These analyzes evaluate whether the product prevents the growth of microorganisms and the effectiveness of the protective system.

Challenge test results are used to determine the effectiveness of the product's protective system. When testing shows that the cosmetic product is sufficient to provide protection against microorganisms, the product is considered safe and suitable. Otherwise, necessary measures may need to be taken to strengthen or replace the protective system.

This test is a widely used tool in the cosmetic industry to ensure product safety and reduce the risk of microbial contamination.

If you would like to get more detailed information about your Antimicrobial Protective Effectiveness (Challenge) tests, you can contact our cosmetic analysis laboratory.