j. Soc. Cosmet. Chem., 48, 275 (September/October 1997) Book Review COSMETIC MICROBIOLOGY, A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK, edited by Daniel K. Brannan. CRC Press, Boca Ra- ton, FL. 323 pages, hardbound. In 1990 Parsons wrote an interesting paper: A microbiology primer for the non- microbiology manager. • Now Dan Brannan has expanded some of these ideals into a book that really meets the title, a practical handbook for anyone interested in cos- metic microbiology. It is geared for the formulator or anyone who produces cos- metics and needs an understanding of mi- crobiology, plant sanitization, and preser- vation. A microbiology education is not needed to understand this book. The topics include a history of cosmetic microbiology the biology of microbes the microbial environment of the manufactur- ing plant preservative efficacy, microbial content, and disinfectant testing valida- tion of methods preservative develop- ment mechanisms of action of cosmetic preservatives consumer safety consider- ations associated with the microbial pres- ervation of cosmetics and laws and en- forcement. The longest chapter is written by Dan Cosmetics & Toiletries, 105(3), 73, 1990. himself, on the biology of microbes. Here is a really good introduction to bacteria, yeast, and molds, how they grow, and a complete description of each of the types that we frequently encounter in cosmetics. The chapters on methodology review and compare many frequently used meth- ods, including the USP, CTFA and ASTM methods. Especially useful is a good dis- cussion on preservative neutralizers. The different types of challenge test methods are reported in easy-to-understand text. The guidelines for manufacturing plant equipment for sanitization, cleaning, and training the workers is worth the price of this book alone. This is the first publication that indi- cates the proposed mechanism of action of the major preservatives. Many times this information can explain why preservatives work in some systems while failing in oth- ers. The chapter on regulations covers only the US. It would be helpful to include the EU regulations, which include a "positive" listing of preservatives. This book is a welcome addition for any formulator, cosmetic manufacturer, or chemist. When added to other recent books on preservatives for cosmetics, it re- veals that cosmetic microbiology is no longer "black magic," but rather a clear, although not always predictable, sci- ence.--DAVID C. STEINBERG. 275