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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06821204

Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria in Make-up Tools

In addition to collecting product residues, dirt and oil, makeup products can damage the skin and cause infection as they are a breeding ground for bacteria. Studies investigating the microbiological contamination of makeup applicators have shown that makeup sponges and brushes are a means of transmitting pathogens. Other studies have determined that positive isolates are detected in almost every device taken from makeup tools. In order to draw attention to the source of infection that is not widely known by the public and to instill correct hygiene habits, this study aims to detect pathogenic bacteria in makeup tools used by university students and to evaluate the effectiveness of the hygiene training provided.

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Key information

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ufuk University

Balgat, Ankara, 06520, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Makeup does a good job of improving the appearance of women. However, many women do not know that makeup can be a health hazard because it contains bacteria and can spread infection. In addition to collecting product residue, dirt, and oil, makeup products can damage the skin and cause infection because they are a breeding ground for bacteria. Cosmetic contamination leads to various types of infections, ranging from mild to serious.

Studies investigating the microbiological contamination of used makeup applicators have shown that makeup sponges and brushes are a vehicle for pathogen transmission. Other studies have determined that Staphylococcus aureus grows as the dominant bacteria in makeup tools and that positive isolates are detected in almost every device taken. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days to protect your skin and kill any harmful bacteria left on your makeup brushes.

Infectious diseases are still a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. Therefore, it is important for people to adopt proper hygiene habits, especially hand washing, to prevent infection. In order to draw attention to a source of infection that is not widely known by the public and to instill correct hygiene habits, this study aims to detect pathogenic bacteria in make-up tools used by university students and to evaluate the effectiveness of the hygiene education provided.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being registered at Ufuk University School of Nursing,
  • Being over 18 and under 30
  • Being female,
  • Having make-up tools,
  • Being volunteer to participate in the research.

Exclusion criteria

  • Being male,
  • Not having make-up tools,
  • Giving up participating in the research,
  • Under 18 years old, over 30 years old

Treatment and study plan

Health education group

Other

Participants will be given one session (40 minutes) of training on the definition and importance of hygiene, the rules and importance of hand washing, the importance of cleaning make-up materials, which method, material and how often they should be cleaned, and the health risks that may occur if they are not cleaned.

Control Group

Other

No intervention will be applied to participants in this group.

Primary outcomes

  1. Hygiene Control Kit

    Time frame: two weeks

    A kit designed to perform microbiological analysis in a practical way will be used to reveal the microorganism density and pathogenic microorganism presence in the make-up tools swab sample. The Hygiene Control Kit (Hytech Slide product) is in compliance with the ISO 18593:2004 Standard.

    The kit is a product that can perform analysis with medium contact from all surfaces for microbiological analysis. It is possible to take samples from all surfaces, personnel, equipment, solid and liquid. Thanks to its 90-degree bendable structure, the medium comes into contact with the surface even on difficult, inclined and narrow surfaces. E.coli and S.Aureus colonies will be counted after incubation.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Individual information form

    Time frame: two weeks

    The individual information form was developed based on relevant literature. The form includes 22 questions to determine the frequency and method of infection, hand washing, makeup use and cleaning of makeup tools, frequency of changing, and sharing with someone else.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ufuk University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria in Make-up Tools and Evaluation of Hygiene Education Effectiveness

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 11, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 24, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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