Fungal Profiles Isolated from Open and Used Cosmetic Products Collected from Different Localities in Saudi Arabia

A total of seventy five samples of cosmetic products open and used for varying periods of time were collected from different localities in Saudi Arabia. These samples were analyzed for the presence of mesophilic and thermophilic fungi. Six genera and 13 species were isolated at 28°C. Eleven genera, 24 species as well as two species varieties were encountered at 45°C (thermophilic fungi). Aspergillus was the most common genus while A. terreus was the most common species at 28°C and 45°C. The highest total count of fungi was obtained from samples of lip cosmetic products, while the lowest total counts were detected in eye cosmetic products. The antifungal activity was studied for seven randomly selected commercial drugs against five species of isolated saprophytic fungi. Results indicated that Dermocart skin cream was largely effective against all tested fungal isolates