AMS is able to perform shelf life studies, preservative effectiveness challenges, or routine testing of products for verification or release purposes.

Personal care products including creams, powders, lotions, washes, shampoos, conditioners, antiperspirants, and sunscreens should be free of harmful or pathogenic microorganisms. The presence of microorganisms can change the formulations of the product, or cause spoilage, which may affect performance or the ability to be used safely. We analyze for bacteria, mold, and yeast, or specific organisms, to determine if the preservative is working appropriately.

Health care products are not expected to exist in a sterile environment throughout their use. Instead, they usually contain an antimicrobial agent which is able to limit survivability and/or growth of organisms that get introduced. A product must be able to keep pathogenic microorganisms from surviving in quantities that might cause illness. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to make sure that their products are devoid of harmful microorganisms, through the expiration date.