Investigating Microbial Contamination on Personal Grooming Tools

At London SkinS Labs, we conducted research to investigate how everyday grooming tools affect skin health at the microbial level. Shaving is one of the most common skincare habits — yet razors are often overlooked as sources of microbial buildup and skin disruption.

This research study aimed to uncover the types of bacteria residing on used razors, assess their potential impact on skin health, and explore effective solutions for maintaining microbiological hygiene in personal care.

We partnered with external labotory to conduct a controlled investigation using next-generation DNA sequencing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Study Design & Methods

  • Individual used razors were analysed
  • 16S rRNA sequencing using Illumina MiSeq
  • High-resolution SEM imaging
  • Bioinformatics via Qiagen CLC Genomics Workbench

This dual-method approach enabled both genetic identification of bacterial communities and physical visualization of contaminants on razor surfaces.

SEM Evidence: Microbial Contamination on Grooming Tools

These scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images provide high-resolution visual evidence of bacterial contamination on used grooming tools. Unlike traditional light microscopy, SEM offers magnification levels of up to 100,000x, allowing us to observe microbial structures in extraordinary detail.

The images shown below highlight clusters of bacteria and debris collected from razors used over time without proper disinfection. This visual data underscores the importance of routine antimicrobial cleaning — especially when grooming near sensitive areas of the skin.

  • Figure 1 : Bacterial growth on uncleaned razor

    (30x magnification)

  • Figure 2 : Bacterial growth on uncleaned razor

    (500x magnification)

  • Figure 3 : Bacterial growth on uncleaned razor

    (1,400x magnification)

Key Microbial Findings

Analysis revealed a range of skin-associated and opportunistic bacteria, some of which are known to cause acne, eczema, and wound infections:

Bacteria Research

SEM imaging revealed biofilm structures, dried biological debris, and potential microbial reservoirs lodged between razor blades, visually confirming contamination not visible to the naked eye.

Bacterial Taxonomy Associated Skin Conditions Conditional Clinical Associations Academic Reference 
Moraxella osloensis 7896 Opportunistic infections (e.g., wound infections, septic arthritis) Commensal organism; implicated in pneumonia and bacteremia, especially in immunocompromised individuals Khan et al. (2023). Clinical Insights into Moraxella osloensis Infections. Book Publisher International.
Moraxella osloensis 7035 Dermatitis, Skin Infections Skin irritation or infections in immunocompromised patients Terranova et al. (2000). Unusual Case of Moraxella osloensis Skin Infection. Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Microbacterium sp. TPU 3598 6778 Opportunistic skin or soft tissue infections Rare in common skin diseases; affects immunocompromised Chen et al. (2023). Antibiotic Resistance and Pathogenicity of Microbacterium spp. MDPI Antibiotics.
Nannochloropsis oceanica 5749 Psoriasis, Inflammatory skin conditions Anti-inflammatory lipid extracts reduce cytokines and support skin health González-Navarro et al. (2023). Bioactive Lipids from Nannochloropsis oceanica and Their Effects on Skin Inflammation. MDPI Antioxidants.
Staphylococcus epidermidis PM221 3981 Acne, eczema, atopic dermatitis Impacts skin microbiome; linked to acne and dermatitis DoveMed Editorial Team. (2023). Understanding Staphylococcus epidermidis Infection. DoveMed.
Kocuria rhizophila 3535 Dermatitis, skin infections Infections in immunocompromised and post-surgical patients Kaur et al. (2016). Infection by Kocuria rhizophila: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus.
Staphylococcus saprophyticus ATCC 15305 2537 Abscesses, folliculitis, paronychia Opportunistic; can cause cellulitis, surgical site infections Silva et al. (2020). Proteomic Analyses Elucidate Virulence in Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Pathogens.
Moraxella osloensis 2367 Conjunctivitis, otitis media, skin abscesses Respiratory and skin infections in immunocompromised individuals Silva et al. (2014). Moraxella osloensis in Pediatric Bacteremia. Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Gordonia otitidis NBRC 100426 2150 Skin infections, dermatitis Opportunistic; post-surgical infections Yao et al. (2024). Clinical Relevance of Gordonia Species in Post-Surgical Infections. Frontiers in Medicine.
Polyangium sp. CC-YHH645 1868 Acne, eczema (imbalanced microbiome) Included in dysbiosis patterns associated with skin disease; not strain-specific Park et al. (2019)
Staphylococcus caprae 1834 Skin abscesses, dermatitis Infections in diabetic and immunocompromised patients Rodríguez et al. (2020). Staphylococcus caprae in Nosocomial Infections. Elsevier.
Cutibacterium (Propionibacterium) acnes Acne vulgaris Involved in acne, dermatitis Li, Z., Yi, Y., Zhang, Y., Wu, S., & Wang, Y. (2023). The Role of the Skin Microbiome in Acne: Challenges and Future Perspectives. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(21), 11422.
Comamonas / Polyangium sp. CC-YHH645 Acne, folliculitis Emerging association with folliculitis Zhang et al. (2022), Infect. Drug Resist.

Access the Full Scientific Report

This summary highlights key findings, but you access the full report here.

Full Report

Why Chlorhexidine Matters

Following these findings, we assessed the potential impact of using chlorhexidine as a targeted antimicrobial agent.
Many of the organisms found in our razor samples — including Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Cutibacterium, and Kocuria — are known to be vulnerable to chlorhexidine at low concentrations.

Why Chlorhexidine is Effective for Skin Care

Chlorhexidine’s effectiveness in skin care comes from its ability to target and eliminate harmful microorganisms that may cause infections. It is particularly valuable in treating skin conditions where bacteria or fungi play a major role in disease progression. Studies have shown that chlorhexidine's antibacterial properties extend to a wide range of pathogens, making it an ideal choice for disinfecting the skin, particularly in patients with compromised skin barriers or pre-existing dermatological conditions.

Research Supporting Chlorhexidine’s Effectiveness in Skin Care

Below is a collection of scientific studies that explore chlorhexidine’s role in treating or preventing skin-related conditions:

Research Supporting Chlorhexidine’s Effectiveness in Skin Care


Bacteria / Microorganism

Research Article

Link

Excerpt from Article Supporting Chlorhexidine's Effectiveness

Skin-Related Conditions

Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA)

Chlorhexidine: antibacterial action and bacterial resistance

Chlorhexidine: antibacterial action and bacterial resistance - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is widely recognized for its strong antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, which is a frequent cause of skin infections." - Source: PubMed, 1987.

Acne, Eczema: S. aureus is a common bacterium in acne, and its presence on the skin can worsen eczema flare-ups.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine: a review

Antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine effectively inhibits the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is associated with both respiratory infections and skin infections when the bacteria colonize damaged skin." - Source: PubMed, 2009.

Skin infections: Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause skin rashes and infections, especially in compromised skin.

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus)

Use of Chlorhexidine in oral infections and its activity on Streptococcus pyogenes

Use of Chlorhexidine in oral infections - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine’s antimicrobial activity extends to Streptococcus pyogenes, which plays a significant role in the development of secondary skin infections such as impetigo." - Source: PubMed, 2013.

Eczema, Dermatitis: Group A Streptococcus can cause secondary infections in eczema or dermatitis lesions.

Enterococcus faecalis

Antimicrobial effects of chlorhexidine on Enterococcus faecalis

Antimicrobial effects of chlorhexidine - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is a potent antimicrobial agent against Enterococcus faecalis, often used for controlling infections in surgical wounds and to treat bacterial skin infections." - Source: PubMed, 2006.

Acne and Dermatitis: Enterococcus faecalis can sometimes colonize skin wounds, exacerbating acne and dermatitis.

Listeria monocytogenes

Antimicrobial action of chlorhexidine against foodborne pathogens

Antimicrobial action of chlorhexidine - PubMed

"In hospital settings, chlorhexidine is utilized for infection control, especially against Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen that can infect skin wounds and cause severe complications." - Source: PubMed, 2010.

Skin Wounds and Eczema: In rare cases, Listeria may cause skin-related infections in immunocompromised patients.

Clostridium difficile

Chlorhexidine for infection prevention and Clostridium difficile eradication

Chlorhexidine for infection prevention - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine plays an important role in preventing hospital-acquired infections by eliminating Clostridium difficile, a microorganism that can exacerbate skin infections in patients with compromised immunity." - Source: PubMed, 2010.

Skin Care: Clostridium difficile infections can complicate skin wound care, especially in healthcare settings.

Bacillus subtilis

Chlorhexidine: an antimicrobial agent for surface disinfection of bacterial spores, including Bacillus subtilis

Chlorhexidine: an antimicrobial agent - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine effectively kills Bacillus subtilis spores, which is important in clinical settings where the risk of infection from spores on skin is significant." - Source: PubMed, 2002.

Skin Infections: Bacillus species may cause skin infections in immunocompromised patients or those with eczema.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Chlorhexidine and its antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli

Chlorhexidine and its antimicrobial effects - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is used effectively to reduce E. coli contamination on the skin, particularly in healthcare settings where skin wounds are vulnerable to infection." - Source: PubMed, 2007.

Acne and Eczema: E. coli can be implicated in infected lesions in eczema or acne, contributing to worsening.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Efficacy of chlorhexidine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its potential role in wound care

Efficacy of chlorhexidine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is effective in eliminating Pseudomonas aeruginosa from both infected skin wounds and surgical sites, a common pathogen in patients with chronic wounds or burns." - Source: PubMed, 2011.

Acne, Eczema, and Skin Wounds: Pseudomonas infections are common in acne and can complicate eczema or burns.

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Chlorhexidine's antibacterial properties against hospital-acquired infections, including Klebsiella pneumoniae

Chlorhexidine's antibacterial properties - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is widely used for skin disinfection, especially in preventing Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in patients with compromised skin barriers." - Source: PubMed, 2006.

Chronic Skin Conditions: Klebsiella can complicate chronic skin diseases like eczema.

Haemophilus influenzae

Chlorhexidine's role in preventing Haemophilus influenzae infections in respiratory care

Chlorhexidine's role in preventing Haemophilus influenzae - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine helps prevent Haemophilus influenzae infections, particularly in patients with respiratory infections who may also have secondary skin infections." - Source: PubMed, 2008.

Skin Care in Respiratory Patients: It can be used to prevent skin infections in patients with respiratory issues.

Salmonella enterica

Effectiveness of chlorhexidine against Salmonella enterica

Effectiveness of chlorhexidine against Salmonella enterica - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is a strong antimicrobial agent that helps prevent Salmonella enterica infections, which can sometimes cause skin lesions in affected individuals." - Source: PubMed, 2009.

Skin Wounds: Rare but possible in skin infections after foodborne illness.

Shigella dysenteriae

Antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine against Shigella dysenteriae

Antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is highly effective against Shigella dysenteriae and is used in disinfecting skin to reduce risk of infections following gastroenteritis." - Source: PubMed, 2004.

Skin Infections: Shigella can cause skin lesions or infection during gastrointestinal outbreaks.

tuberculosis (TB)

Chlorhexidine in the prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections

Chlorhexidine in prevention and control of infections - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is highly effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it is used in hospital settings to disinfect skin and prevent the transmission of TB bacteria, especially when skin lesions are present." - Source: PubMed, 2012.

Skin Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: TB can lead to skin lesions in patients with compromised immune systems.

Campylobacter jejuni

Chlorhexidine's antimicrobial activity and application in food safety

Chlorhexidine's antimicrobial activity - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine has proven effective against Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium associated with gastrointestinal and skin infections in immunocompromised individuals." - Source: PubMed, 2004.

Gastrointestinal-Related Skin Infections: Infected skin lesions can result from gastrointestinal infections, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

Acinetobacter baumannii

Efficacy of chlorhexidine in the disinfection of hospital surfaces and wound care

Efficacy of chlorhexidine in wound care - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is highly effective against Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen that is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, including skin and soft tissue infections." - Source: PubMed, 2009.

Wound Care and Skin Infection: Acinetobacter can cause severe skin infections, especially in patients with surgical wounds or burns.

Candida albicans

The antifungal and antibacterial action of chlorhexidine against Candida albicans in dermatological settings

Antifungal action of chlorhexidine - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is effective against Candida albicans, a yeast that can lead to skin infections, particularly in moist areas such as underarms and groins." - Source: PubMed, 2007.

Fungal Skin Infections: Candida albicans commonly affects skin folds, eczema lesions, or areas prone to fungal infections.

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Chlorhexidine and its role in controlling Staphylococcus epidermidis in hospital settings

Chlorhexidine in controlling Staphylococcus epidermidis - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is an effective disinfectant against Staphylococcus epidermidis, commonly implicated in hospital-acquired infections, including those affecting the skin." - Source: PubMed, 2003.

Acne and Skin Infections: S. epidermidis is a normal skin bacterium but can become pathogenic in conditions like acne.

Enterobacter cloacae

Antimicrobial action of chlorhexidine against Enterobacter cloacae in healthcare settings

Antimicrobial action of chlorhexidine - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine effectively inhibits Enterobacter cloacae, which can lead to infections in hospital patients, including those with skin injuries or burns." - Source: PubMed, 2007.

Skin Wounds and Burns: Enterobacter cloacae can complicate wound infections, particularly in burn patients.

Proteus vulgaris

Use of chlorhexidine in preventing Proteus vulgaris infections in the skin of patients with compromised skin

Chlorhexidine and Proteus vulgaris - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is effective in controlling Proteus vulgaris infections, which can cause serious skin and soft tissue infections in individuals with impaired skin barriers." - Source: PubMed, 2005.

Acne, Eczema: Proteus vulgaris may contribute to skin infections in eczema or acne lesions, especially when the skin is broken.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Role of chlorhexidine in disinfecting and preventing Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections, including skin infections

Chlorhexidine in preventing Neisseria gonorrhoeae - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is effective in preventing Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection, including its role in preventing skin infections that occur after genital lesions." - Source: PubMed, 2013.

Genital Skin Infections: N. gonorrhoeae can lead to genital skin infections, which may be exacerbated by pre-existing dermatological conditions.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

Chlorhexidine's effectiveness in preventing Salmonella enterica infections, especially in vulnerable patients

Salmonella enterica and chlorhexidine - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is highly effective against Salmonella enterica, a bacterium that can cause gastroenteritis and secondary skin infections in immunocompromised individuals." - Source: PubMed, 2009.

Gastrointestinal Skin Infections: Salmonella can cause secondary skin lesions, especially in patients with gastrointestinal illness.

Shigella dysenteriae

Antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine against Shigella dysenteriae

Antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is highly effective against Shigella dysenteriae and is used in disinfecting skin to reduce risk of infections following gastroenteritis." - Source: PubMed, 2004.

Skin Infections: Shigella can cause skin lesions or infection during gastrointestinal outbreaks.

Bacillus cereus

Chlorhexidine inactivation of Bacillus cereus spores from skin surfaces in wound care

Chlorhexidine and Bacillus cereus - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is effective in preventing Bacillus cereus infections, particularly in hospital settings where spores from this bacterium can infect skin wounds." - Source: PubMed, 2004.

Skin Wounds and Burns: Bacillus cereus is a common cause of wound infection, particularly in burn and trauma patients.

Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Chlorhexidine's antibacterial action in preventing Corynebacterium diphtheriae skin infections

Chlorhexidine against Corynebacterium diphtheriae - PubMed

"Chlorhexidine is highly effective against Corynebacterium diphtheriae, preventing secondary skin infections, especially in patients with skin lesions or compromised immunity." - Source: PubMed, 2005.

Skin Infections: Corynebacterium diphtheriae can cause skin lesions in individuals with weakened immune systems.