ISO 22717:2015

Overview

ISO 22717:2015 - "Cosmetics - Microbiology - Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa" provides laboratory guidance for detecting and identifying Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cosmetic products. The standard establishes a practical, two-step approach - enrichment in a non-selective liquid medium followed by isolation on selective agar - and emphasizes the need for microbiological risk analysis to determine applicability across diverse cosmetic matrices.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and risk-based approach: Applies where P. aeruginosa detection is relevant; products with low water activity or extreme pH may present low microbiological risk (see ISO 29621).
• Two-step method (principle):
  • Enrichment in a non-selective enrichment broth (may include neutralizers/dispersants).
  • Isolation on a selective agar medium and subsequent identification.
• Neutralization of antimicrobial activity: Demonstration of effective neutralization of product antimicrobial agents is mandatory (Clause 11). Neutralizers and rinsing liquids guidance are provided (Annex B).
• Sample handling and preparation: Procedures cover water‑miscible, water‑immiscible and filterable products, plus preparation of initial suspensions and dilutions (Clauses 8–9).
• Identification features: Typical traits of P. aeruginosa are listed (growth on cetrimide agar, oxidase positive, production of diffusible fluorescent pigments and pyocyanin).
• Method suitability and validation: The standard requires suitability testing for media and neutralizers; alternative or automated methods may be used if demonstrated equivalent.
• Practical lab details: Examples of media composition and preparation are provided (e.g., autoclave sterilization at 121 °C for 15 min; specified pH ranges for diluents/media).

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 22717:

• Cosmetic manufacturers' quality control and microbiology labs
• Contract testing laboratories and third‑party microbiological service providers
• Regulatory authorities conducting product safety assessments
• R&D teams responsible for formulation and preservative efficacy assessments

Typical applications:

• Routine release and stability testing to ensure products are free of P. aeruginosa
• Investigation of suspected microbial contamination or spoilage events
• Supplier audits and raw material testing when water or aqueous ingredients are involved
• Demonstrating compliance with national regulations and international best practice

Related standards

• ISO 21148:2005 - General instructions for microbiological examination of cosmetics
• ISO 29621 - Guidelines for microbiological risk assessment of cosmetic products
• ISO 18415 - Methods relevant for certain product types and additional microorganism detection

ISO 22717 is a practical, risk‑focused standard for ensuring cosmetic product safety by reliably detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa using validated enrichment, neutralization and isolation steps.