Radiation Processing for Cosmetics, Toiletries, and Tattoo Ink
Radiation technologies, such as gamma, electron beam, and X-ray, are utilized to treat a wide variety of products with varying densities and configurations. The irradiation process can penetrate products while sealed in their final packaging, supporting both manufacturing and distribution with sterilization and microbial reduction services on both raw materials and final packaged products.
Cosmetics and Toiletries
Many cosmetic and toiletry products are formulated using a combination of natural, raw, and synthetic materials. Radiation processing can assist in controlling bioburden on products at various stages throughout the manufacturing process, from raw materials to final packaged goods, ensuring the safe distribution of health and beauty products.
Go here to learn how bioburden testing supports the processing of cosmetics and toiletries.
Some examples of cosmetic and toiletry products processed include, but are not limited to:
- Talc
- Pigments
- Mica
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Raw materials
- Natural ingredients
- Components, applicators, and brushes
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hair gel
STERIS supports manufacturers of consumer products with the restoration (or salvage) processing of products that have been exposed to molds, bacteria, or insects due to natural disasters, human interaction, or products being left in extended storage. Go here to learn how STERIS assists manufacturers with the restoration and salvage of consumer goods.
Tattoo Ink
Tattoo ink and tattoo ink-based products may carry microorganism contaminants, increasing the risk of infection once introduced into the skin during the tattooing process. Radiation sterilization technologies, including gamma, electron beam, and X-ray, are used to treat a wide variety of products to reduce or eliminate bioburden on tattoo ink and tattoo ink-based products, ensuring final products are free of any viable microorganisms.
Some examples of products processed include, but are not limited to:
- Permanent tattoos
- Henna
- Black henna
- Decal temporary tattoos
- Permanent makeup
With numerous potential sources of contamination, the bioburden of a product can fluctuate between batches. A routine testing plan is recommended to ensure a consistent microbiological challenge is presented to the validated sterilization process.
STERIS assists tattoo ink manufacturers and distributors in reducing or eliminating bioburden on finished product through the radiation sterilization process and sterility testing to ensure final products are free of any viable microorganisms, ensuring consumer safety.
Sterility testing of tattoo ink and tattoo ink-based products
Sterility testing demonstrates whether a product is free of microorganisms and confirms the requirements for sterility of a product following exposure to a sterilization process or aseptic manufacture. Manufacturers should conduct USP <71> sterility testing of the final tattoo ink products to guarantee they are free of any microorganisms.
Go here for more information on sterility testing.
STERIS AST maintains cosmetic registrations as required under Section 607 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).