Rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms contaminating cosmetic products based on DNA sequence homology

Because cosmetics are applied directly to human skin, contamination of such products by microorganisms should be carefully avoided. Since cosmetics are usually kept at room temperature and contain large amounts of nitrogen and carbon sources, they may easily become contaminated by a variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, filamentous fungi, and yeasts. The rapid and accurate identification of these microorganisms is essential to prevent further expansion of such contamination and the damage it causes. However, more than 30 days and laboratory skills are usually necessary in order to identify microorganisms in cosmetic materials. These time and labor constraints may allow further damage of the cosmetic products and thereby harm the consumer.(omitted)