Germs cavort in the cosmetic bag

Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for

More posts by Lisa Vogel All content is checked by medical journalists.

The use of mascara, foundation and lipstick is part of the daily routine for many women. Every time the make-up is used, bacteria from the skin and hands get onto the products - and can multiply there under the best conditions.

Paradise for bacteria

The microbiologist Dr. Amreen Bashir and her team at Aston University in Birmingham, UK.

The researchers took samples of used lipsticks, lip gloss, eyeliner, mascara and cosmetic sponges and put them in a liquid nutrient medium. After a while, the scientists checked how many bacteria there were per milliliter of liquid.

Sponger cosmetic sponges

The results sound unsavory: around 79 to 90 percent of the samples were contaminated with 100 to 1000 bacteria per milliliter. But the cosmetic sponge in particular turned out to be a real hotspot: the scientists found up to a million bacteria per milliliter of the nutrient fluid here - the peak value measured.

All clear for healthy skin

The Augsburg dermatologist Prof. Julia Welzel gives the all-clear: “On healthy skin in healthy people, 100 to 1000 bacteria pose no danger,” says the director of the Department of Dermatology and Allergology at the University Hospital. "Our skin has a good protective function - we live together peacefully with a large number of germs."

It is different with sick skin - for atopic dermatitis or people with eczema, for example. "The bacteria from the cosmetics can lead to serious skin infections here," says Welzel.

Wrong application, more germs

One reason for the germ load is probably the application: 93 percent of those surveyed stated that they had never cleaned the cosmetic sponge. Almost two thirds of the users continued to use the beauty blender even if it fell on the floor.

Germ-free for three months

There are a few tips to take to heart so that the beauty case does not turn into a spinner. “For cosmetic products that have been opened, it can be ensured for a maximum of three months that the germ load is low,” says Welzel. The cosmetics cannot be disinfected.

A tip from the expert: Use products with so-called sterile tubes. Here the opening closes completely again immediately after removal. This prevents germs from getting into cosmetics in the first place.

Replace sponges and co regularly

Otherwise: replace products regularly. According to the expert, brushes, blenders and sponges cannot be cleaned effectively. "The large surface and the moisture practically invite bacteria to settle and multiply there." For hygienic reasons, it is better to use disposable items or to replace the utensils regularly.

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