A type of bacteria known as microbacterium can be found in various animal-derived foods and is capable of infecting humans. But the last time we checked, hairspray wasn’t an animal-derived food. Yet somehow, a new species of bacteria called microbacterium hatanonis has found its way into one of our most essential and beloved hair products.
According to the Japanese researchers who discovered this species, contamination of cosmetic products is unusual, but some products-like hairspray, in this case-may be unable to suppress the growth of certain bacteria, allowing it to essentially set up house.
Scientists have known about microbacterium hatanonis and its hairspray habitat for only a couple of years. But because it has the potential to infect people, researchers hope manufacturers will work on the formulation of their hairsprays to make them resistant to contamination.
