Isolation, characterization and effect of Candida parapsilosis isolated from a deteriorated cosmetic

A single yeast strain was isolated from a spoiled contour-des-yeux cream. The deterioration consisted of separation of the oil/water emulsion and a liquid appearance. The yeast was identified as Candida parapsilosis, an opportunistic pathogen associated with nosocomial infections. The biodeterioration effect could be reproduced when this yeast was inoculated onto different cosmetic creams under laboratory conditions: direct inoculation, preservatives inactivated and aged products. The strain was able to grow on some of the compounds of the cosmetic formulations as the sole source of carbon: lipid components, emulsifiers, thickeners, humectants or solvents. It was resistant to butyl paraben and phenoxy ethanol, preservatives used in the cosmetic industry.