Your Cart

Shipping / pickup is always included in every order.
Your cart is empty
Add a test to get started
Browse tests
Cosmetic Testing Lab
Microbiology

Microbiological Specifications Test

Test the microbiological quality of your product and ensure it meets the requirements for safe use.

  • Total aerobic count + yeast & mould
  • 4 key pathogens screened
  • Signed PDF report
$159.00
EU compliance
Free DHL pickup
Signed PDF report
About this test

Microbiological Specifications Test

Cosmetic products need to be of appropriate microbiological quality and free of certain pathogens when they are produced — so each batch should undergo the microbiological specifications test. The test determines the total count of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms (bacteria plus yeast and mould) and screens the finished product for the most common pathogens.

Finished-product testing EU Reg. 1223/2009

What's included

  • Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria count
  • Enumeration of yeast & mould
  • Pathogens: E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa & C. albicans
  • Proven absence of the four pathogens
  • Signed PDF report
EU
Compliant
ISO
Standard
PDF
Report
Pricing

Order this test

Microbiological Specifications Test
For all cosmetic product types
$159.00
What’s testedTotal count + 4 pathogens
SampleFinished product, per batch
Turnaround5 days
ReportSigned PDF

Technical Specifications

ParameterDetails
What is testedThe measurements included in this test. Total aerobic mesophilic count (bacteria + yeast & mould) and pathogens
Pathogens testedThe specific microorganisms screened for in the finished product. E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa & C. albicans
StandardThe internationally recognised method the test follows. ISO 16212, ISO 17516, ISO 18416, ISO 21149, ISO 21150, ISO 22717, ISO 22718
SampleThe type of sample required for testing. Finished cosmetic product, per batch / variant
TurnaroundApproximate time to complete testing and deliver your report after we receive samples. 5 days
Report formatThe format of the final report you receive. Signed PDF report
BIPEA Certified laboratory
Quality assurance

BIPEA-certified laboratory

Our laboratory takes part in BIPEA’s interlaboratory proficiency testing (Bureau Interprofessionnel d’Études Analytiques, Paris). These independent comparisons benchmark our analytical results against laboratories worldwide — confirming the accuracy and reliability of every report we deliver.

Certificate № 15635 2023–2026 Interlaboratory comparisons Paris, France

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this test check?
It confirms your finished cosmetic is of appropriate microbiological quality — measuring the total count of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms (bacteria plus yeast and mould) and screening for the most common pathogens.
Which pathogens are screened?
The finished product is tested for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans.
Is this different from the challenge test?
Yes. The microbiological specifications test checks the actual microbial content of the finished product, while the challenge test checks whether your preservative system is effective over time. Both may be needed for your CPSR.
How long does the test take?
The microbiological specifications test takes around five days once we receive your samples.
Does every batch need testing?
Yes — each batch of cosmetic product should undergo the microbiological specifications test to confirm its quality before sale.
Do you arrange sample pickup?
Yes. DHL pickup is arranged from your address — included free with every order.

Related tests & bundles

Verified reviews

What our customers say

★ 4.7 · Excellent →
★★★★★

“Great fast service. Answered several emails with questions very quickly. Communicate clearly and timely. Highly recommend!”

CB
Cosmetics brand ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฎ
★★★★★

“The service is excellent, of great quality, fast, and detailed.”

NN
Naly Nguyen ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
★★★★★

“Very organised, sharp time, good quality. Very pleased with the service.”

MS
Mohammed Sbaie ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ด
★★★★★

“I was dubious before my first purchase. This is my second time using this company & I had a great experience. They answered all my questions and all my tests were completed with full reports & photos to back them.”

KL
Kerron Liane ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
★★★★★

“I recently had the pleasure of working with Cosmetic Testing Lab, and I must say, they exceeded all my expectations! From the moment I reached out to the final delivery of results, the entire experience was nothing short of exceptional.”

IC
IAM C ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
★★★★★

“I would definitely recommend online cosmetic testing lab to any brands needing testing for their products. They made the process really expedient and even arrange the samples to be picked up from your door.”

RM
Rokhaya Mane ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
★★★★★

“Julija & the rest of the team are amazing. They kept me informed every step of the way and were on hand to answer any questions that I had. Would highly recommend!”

SN
Sha. Nails ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง
★★★★★

“Excellent service! Timely response and communication updated through each phase. Highly recommend.”

SH
Saddam Huq ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง
★★★★★

“Waiting sometimes up to 6 months to be certified elsewhere. I came across Cosmetic Testing Lab on the internet. Bit different for me — it was so easy, fast and the prices were very reasonable. My safety assessment was ready remarkably fast. Can't thank them enough.”

NJ
Neil Jones ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง
★★★★★

“The process is so easy and fast. I always hated sending inquiries, negotiating for the price and searching for the best offer. With CTL it took me so much less time — everything is transparent and simple.”

DF
Domen Fortunat ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ
★★★★★

“This company deserves more than 5 stars. Tadej and Kristina are so professional. I had been looking for how to go about my product challenge and stability testing for over a year until I found Cosmetic Testing Lab. Very satisfied!”

F
Flora ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ
★★★★★

“Tadej and his team were very helpful, swift, and helped my cosmetics company with getting products EU compliant — which seemed a daunting task but he made it very simple and easy. Highly recommended!”

K
Karen ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
★★★★★

“I worked with CT Lab on a CPSR for two fragrance products. The team was very patient, helpful, and professional. The assessment was incredibly thorough and turnaround time was faster than expected.”

T
Trevor ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
★★★★★

“Tadej and his team are very professional, responsive and handle inquiries very efficiently. I highly recommend their service to any individual or business needing EU cosmetic regulation advice.”

A
Anita ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ
★★★★★

“Outstanding lab — everything from the ordering process to receiving the final results was handled with professionalism and care. Response times were fantastic and the team were incredibly helpful throughout.”

LG
Leonia Goromba ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง
Save 10% on your first order and 20% on bundles!
Bundle savings for everyone. For the 10%, create a free account and confirm your email.
Get Started

Edit a previous CPSR Safety Report or start a new one?

Added to your cart

Your CPSR Safety Report and everything you filled in are now in your cart. Go to checkout to complete the order, or carry on adding tests โ€” your answers stay with this item.

Go to checkout
Order CPSR Report
Draft restored
1
Company
2
Product
3
Packaging
4
Formula
5
Tests
6
Artwork
7
Review

Complete the product form. Our safety assessors will confirm your order shortly.

I. Person / company ordering the safety assessment
II. Product information
III. Use conditions and packaging
IV. Product formula
#INCI nameCAS numberNano% in product
May contain
Total0/ 100%
V. Specifications and tests of the finished product

A challenge test is required for every cosmetic product except microbiologically low-risk ones, which are:

  • Products that do not contain water, or have low water activity
  • Products with a pH below 3 or above 10
  • Products containing more than 20% alcohol
  • Products containing raw materials that create a hostile environment (strong oxidising agents, polar organic solvents, oxidising dyes, aluminium chlorohydrate and related salts, propellant gases and so on)
  • Products filled into containers at more than 65 ยฐC
  • Products packaged in pressurised containers, pump dispensers or single-dose units
When is a challenge test not required?

A challenge test is required for every cosmetic product except microbiologically low-risk ones, which are:

  • Products that do not contain water, or have low water activity
  • Products with a pH below 3 or above 10
  • Products containing more than 20% alcohol
  • Products containing raw materials that create a hostile environment (strong oxidising agents, polar organic solvents, oxidising dyes, aluminium chlorohydrate and related salts, propellant gases and so on)
  • Products filled into containers at more than 65 ยฐC
  • Products packaged in pressurised containers, pump dispensers or single-dose units
VI. Product packaging and artworkOptional — we check the label against the finished CPSR, so the artwork for the outer packaging and the primary container helps. You can also send it to us later.
VII. Review your order
Price—

Edit a previous Safety Data Sheet or start a new one?

Added to your cart

Your Safety Data Sheet and everything you filled in are now in your cart. Go to checkout to complete the order, or carry on adding tests โ€” your answers stay with this item.

Go to checkout
Order Safety Data Sheet
Draft restored
1
Client
2
Formula
3
Languages
4
Details
5
Review

Fill in the form below. We'll prepare your REACH-compliant SDS with a fast turnaround.

I. Information about the client
The client
Holder of the SDS
II. Information about the product formula
#INCI nameCAS number% in product
Total0/ 100%

Have a long ingredient list? Start from our spreadsheet.

Download the template, fill it in Excel, Numbers, LibreOffice or Google Sheets, then upload it here โ€” every field lands in the right place. Filling the form by hand works just as well.

Download template (.xlsx) or .csv
III. Regulatory area and language versionsAn SDS must be supplied in the official language of every market where the product is placed. Pick each market you distribute to — we issue one language version per selection.
0 selected
IV. Additional information about the productEverything in this step is optional, but the more you give us the faster we can finalise the SDS.
V. Review your order
Starting from—
Order data

Everything you filled in for this item.

How it works

Two ways to get market-ready — pick whichever fits you.

I know what I need

Pick tests & checkout

1 Add tests to your cart & checkout
2 We arrange the free DHL pickup of your samples
3 We test them and you get the results
Order Tests & CPSR

I'm not sure what I need

Add product info & get recommendations

1 Sign in & add product info to see what you need
2 Order the needed tests — we arrange the pickup
3 You get results after we finish tests
Get Started
Still not sure? Answer the questionnaire
Add a product
1
Product
2
Details
3
Formula
I. Your product
ml / g
II. Product details
Target markets
III. Product formula
#INCI nameCAS number% in product
Total0/ 100%

Have a long ingredient list? Start from our spreadsheet.

Download the template, pick your ingredients from the built-in INCI dropdown and type their percentages, then upload it here โ€” the whole formula lands in the table above, CAS numbers filled in for you. Typing it by hand works just as well.

Download template (.xlsx) or .csv