Microbial Contamination in Cosmetic Products

European legislation defines cosmetics as substances or mixtures designed to contact external body parts for cleaning, protection, fragrance, maintenance, or appearance modification. Cosmetic regulation has become increasingly important in recent years, as the number of consumers continues to grow. One of the major challenges of the cosmetic industry is effectively communicating to consumers the critical need to avoid using expired products for several safety reasons, with microbial contamination being among the most significant concerns. A key research priority involves understanding how bacterial and fungal populations commonly proliferate within cosmetic formulations. Regulatory standards strictly prohibit specific microorganisms in finished cosmetic products, as specified in EMA guidelines, making microbiological assessment an essential component of product evaluation. This review examines the prevalence, risks, and control measures associated with microbial contamination in cosmetic products. Special attention is given to the most isolated microorganisms, factors contributing to contamination, and current preservation strategies in the cosmetic industry.