Effect of leave-on cosmetic antimicrobial preservatives on healthy skin resident Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Our data demonstrated that certain preservatives of the leave-on cosmetics might inhibit or kill S. epidermidis cells and perturb the skin microbiota balance. The determination of the maximum permitted doses of the preservatives should not only be based on the toxicological data, but also antimicrobial susceptibility analysis. This comprehensive evaluation would ensure a balanced and healthy skin microbiota.