(ISO: Geneva) -- From shampoo to toothpaste to make-up and skin cream, hundreds of thousands of cosmetic products will now benefit from improved quality and safety, thanks to a new standard published by the International Organization for Standardization.

Cosmetics are articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance. Most cosmetics don’t pose a health risk when the directions on the label are followed and when the product is used properly. However, contamination of cosmetics during the production process can cause adverse effects in certain individuals with sensitivities. These effects range from infections to severe allergic reactions.

ISO 18416:2007—“Cosmetics, Microbiology, Detection of Candida albicans,” will help reduce cases of infection from cosmetic products by providing laboratories with a microbiological examination to ensure their quality and safety.

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