University study: E.coli found to be present in 90% of make-up bags

Why hand washing is so important in the beauty industry

Why hand washing is so important in the beauty industry

A warning has been issued around “deadly superbugs” that are found to be “lurking in nine out of ten make-up bags” which should serve as a warning to beauticians all over the UK.

A recent report on The Sun website has highlighted the results of research undertaken by Aston University in Birmingham, in which a total of 467 beauty products currently in use (such as mascaras, lip glosses and sponges) were tested.

Beauty blenders used to “blend foundation and colour the face” were “most likely to harbour potentially harmful bacteria” writes , with other tested products likely to be carrying a significant level of contamination. E.coli and salmonella were detected to a worrying degree, especially as they’re “typically spread in poo”.

The Study leader was Dr Amreen Bashir issued a stark warning – quoted in the report.

“Consumers’ poor hygiene practices when it comes to using make-up, especially beauty blenders, is very worrying when you consider that we found bacteria such as E.coli – which is linked with faecal contamination – breeding on the products we tested.”

Control E.coli and other bugs with soap and water handwashing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that

“Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.”

Soap and water washing is far more effective than using hand gels – which don’t work with some bugs.

“E coli is the biggest single cause of bacterial bloodstream infections in the UK”, according to Prof David Livermore in a recent warning on The Guardian website.

GERM ALERT Life-threatening bacteria such as E.coli found lurking in nine out of ten make-up bags »


The Teal beauty range of portable hand wash units

Practising good hand hygiene can be tough in a busy salon or when travelling between customers. However, if professionals in the industry want to have a reputation for high standards and excellence in hygiene, it’s important they have constant access to hand washing facilities.

The innovative Teal Hygienius is highly portable needing no plumbing, requiring only a 13 amp power socket for operation. The automatic sensor starts a ten second flow of hot water when hands are placed within range. Order now »

The Super Stallette portable hand wash unit is ideal for providing cutting edge hot water hand washing facilities wherever they are needed. Needs no plumbing – just a 13 amp power socket. Order now »

The Handeman Xtra Portable is Teal’s most portable hand wash unit – ever! Washing can be provided anywhere that it’s required. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Order now »


Coming soon – the new Teal HandSpa

Many beauty professionals have already expressed a firm interest in Teal’s new salon hand wash station, requesting that we let them know when the product will be available for purchase.

Simply email your details from the Feedback form on the Contact page, adding “Let me know about the HandSpa” in the “Your enquiry” field.

More about the HandSpa »

Download the HandSpa leaflet »

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The Teal HandSpa portable sink will be available soon

Coming soon – the new HandSpa.