What is ISO 11930?

ISO 11930 is officially titled:

“Cosmetics — Microbiology — Evaluation of the antimicrobial protection of a cosmetic product”

This international standard outlines criteria and methods for preservative efficacy testing of cosmetic products. It helps manufacturers assess how well their formulation resists microbial contamination from bacteria, yeast, and mold—both during production and throughout consumer use.

The testing includes:

  1. Challenge Tests (Preservative efficacy tests)
  2. 🧪 Microbial contamination simulation
  3. 📊 Acceptance criteria based on microbial count reduction over time

ISO 11930 is designed to work alongside ISO 22716 (Good Manufacturing Practices for cosmetics) and ISO 29621 (Microbiological risk assessment guidelines for low-risk products).


Why is ISO 11930 important?

Cosmetic products can easily become contaminated through:

  1. Repeated consumer handling
  2. Environmental exposure
  3. Poor packaging or storage
  4. Inadequate preservation systems

ISO 11930 is crucial because it:

  1. 📉 Prevents microbial growth that can harm users or degrade product quality
  2. 🛡️ Protects against product recalls and regulatory non-compliance
  3. 🌍 Is accepted globally for microbial safety testing in cosmetic product registration

This standard is often required for compliance with EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, US FDA expectations, and global cosmetic safety frameworks.

What are the benefits of ISO 11930?

ISO 11930 testing helps ensure that your cosmetic products are:

  1. Microbiologically Safe

          Demonstrates that the product is resistant to harmful microbial growth over time.

  1. 🔍 Scientifically Validated

           Uses proven, standardized testing methods across international laboratories.

  1. 📦 Shelf-Stable and Consumer-Safe

           Ensures long-term stability under real-world usage and storage conditions.

  1. 🌐 Globally Compliant

           Required for product registration and export to many markets (EU, ASEAN, US, etc.).

  1. 🧴 Supports Clean Beauty & Minimalist Formulations

           Helps validate alternative or reduced preservative systems.


What kind of businesses can benefit from ISO 11930?

Adopting ISO 11930 through GMC’s expert consulting delivers critical business value:

  1. Avoid Product Recalls

          Ensure preservative systems work effectively and consistently.

  1. Facilitate Global Market Entry

          Meet testing requirements for product registration and international trade.

  1. Enhance Brand Trust and Safety

           Demonstrate scientific rigor and safety to regulators and consumers.

  1. Support Regulatory Compliance

          Align with ISO 22716, FDA, EU Cosmetic Regulation, and ASEAN guidelines.

  1. Reduce Time to Market

           Streamline approval with validated testing protocols and documentation.

  1. Enable Innovative Product Formulations

           Confidently explore natural, preservative-light, or multifunctional products with proven safety.


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