Is it true that a pressed powder cannot harbor old bacteria, since there is no water in it?

Question

i was under the impression that any type of makeup can harbor bacteria, but someone just told me that a pressed powder cannot, due to the lack of water...?

Answer 1

That is not true at all, powders can harbor bacteria just like a liquid. Your sponge, puff or brush touches your face and fingers, that exposes the powder to oil and bacteria. Binders used to get pressed powders to stay inside the case often provide a good environment. Most cosmetics contain preservative, but all preservatives have a shelf life. If you are worried about bacteria in your makeup consider a powder that is loose and comes in a sifter. That way you just dispense what is needed and the rest of the powder remains untouched. You can get compacts for your purse that are designed to hold loose powder as well, so you can take it with you.

Some brands that use a sifter:
Bobby Brown, Prescriptives, Bare Escentuals

Answer 2

Pressed powder has oils and preservatives in it to keep it solid so I think that it CAN very much so harbour bacteria... I use loose powder and I use it from the regular container into the lid so as not to contaminate the stuff inside the container. I just line the lid with a tissue or paper towel and toss whatever I don't use... I haven't had a problem with break-outs or the powder going "bad".. good luck

Answer 3

I think the re-use of the powder puff pad can add bacteria to the presspowder. I am not a big fan of presspowders and I have found that I dont break out so much since I have stopped using it.

Answer 4

True....bacteria need water to grow. Dry powder makeup does not support their growth. Got that info from a chemist at personalformulator.com

Answer 5

It depends on how you apply it. If you use the pad that comes with it, and constantly double dip (apply powder to the pad, then to your face, then put the pad back in the pdwer) you're putting water into the powder - from your face. this is what will actucally cause the bateria to grow in the powder. If you scrape some of the powder off into a different container, and use a new pad each time you apply, then you're fine (but most of us don't do this).

Answer 6

I can be contaminated. As you re-touch the brush or puff to the powder, it deposits oils, bacteria and skin cells from your face.

Answer 7

i'm uncertain what cook dinner is doing with the espresso presently. i bought a Cuisinart total bean grind and brew (drip) espresso maker. She retains throwing out the metallic basket. For the previous couple of mornings i think of that she is making use of an previous sock and pouring warm water over the precise. loads of grounds. I attempt to no longer ever question cook dinner on what she is doing.

Answer 8

To the guy above me, that was really uncalled for and very disgusting.

I think it still can hold bacteria, especially after dipping your makeup brush in it.

Answer 9

this doesn't answer your question, actually, but wouldn't the oils from your skin get on the makeup from the brush or puff? couldn't that hold bacteria then?

Answer 10

I really don't understand why people get so freaked out about bacteria? its natural and we have millions of them growing on our body at any given moment.

When it comes to pressed power if you apply it "the correct way" with a clean brush preferably by Mack, you do not need very much if you are using a good product. just dust lightly with a good clean brush. wash the brush after each use.

this reminds me of a girl I knew in collage who worried about bacteria in her make up, but at the same time slept with the entire population of Denver,Colorado? This girl was so promiscuous that she had to have not one but two vaginal reconstructive surgery's in order to repair the high mileage on her "Hello Kitty" she would often joke that she had so much sex that she was on her third vagina and the guys would joke that her "hello Kitty" looked like a peach cobbler after a family reunion.