How Water in Production Could Be the Hidden Link in Contamination Recalls
When multiple products—soaps, sanitizers, creams, lotions—are recalled due to the same bacterial contaminant, it indicates a possible shared source in their production. In the recent DermaRite recall, Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) was detected in various skincare and hygiene items. One likely common factor is the water used during mixing, formulation, or cleaning processes. Here’s how water can contribute to this issue:
What makes water risky
Microbial growth: Even treated water can contain microbes or spores that survive if the water storage, piping, or tanks aren’t properly sanitized or maintained.
Biofilm formation: Once bacteria adhere to surfaces inside pipes or tanks, they may form biofilms. These biofilms protect the bacteria, allowing them to persist despite disinfection, and eventually break off, contaminating products.
Cross-contamination during processing: Water used for washing equipment, cleaning surfaces, cooling, or even as an ingredient (in creams, lotions, etc.) can act as a vector. If any step in that water’s journey isn’t sterile or at least hygienically controlled, contamination can spread to multiple product lines.
Inadequate water quality control: If the water doesn’t meet stringent microbiological standards (e.g., for cosmetic or pharmaceutical grade where necessary), then even low levels of contamination can multiply in a formulation, especially where preservatives are weak or compromised.
How could this connect to the DermaRite recall?
From what is reported:
The recall includes many types of products, such as soaps, sanitizers, and creams, across multiple lots with different formulations.
The bacteria B. cepacia is known to survive in aqueous environments and resist many standard disinfectants.
Since all the recalled items originate from DermaRite, if one water source used in blending, rinsing, or cleaning were contaminated, it could explain how multiple product types ended up with the same contaminant.
What to watch for / what manufacturers should ensure
Rigorous specification of water quality: microbiological testing, limits for total bacteria, endotoxins if relevant.
Regular cleaning and qualification/purification of water systems (tanks, pipes, loop systems).
Use of sanitization, filtration, or treatment (e.g. UV, membrane, reverse osmosis) where needed.
Validation that preservatives in final products are effective even under worst-case contaminant loads.
Environmental monitoring: testing water at various points (ingredient, storage, post-blend) to catch early signs of contamination.
Bottom line:
If many products are recalled for the same bacterial contamination, and they share a common manufacturer, the water used across the product lines is one of the strongest suspects. Ensuring water used in all parts of production meets high microbial quality is essential to prevent widespread risk.
Examples of Water-borne / Water-related Pathogens Causing Sepsis or Severe Infections:
Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc)
Bcc is a group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. These organisms are opportunistic pathogens; they can enter the body (for example, through skin breaks, medical devices, or even aerosolized water), cause infections, and in severe cases, lead to bloodstream infections or sepsis, especially in vulnerable patients.
In one study, a cluster of 8 Bcc infections in a cardiothoracic ICU was linked to contaminated water heaters used in an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) system. Some of those infections were bloodstream infections.
Another case: An outbreak of Burkholderia multivorans (a species in the Bcc) in hospitals in California and Colorado was linked to contaminated ice and water from ice machines; some patients developed serious infections.
Flavobacterium
Neonatal ICU outbreaks of sepsis caused by Flavobacterium species have been linked to contaminated water or water-related equipment. These incidents usually involve very young or immunocompromised patients.
Water as Reservoirs in Healthcare Settings
Studies have shown that hospital water systems, such as water reservoirs, ice machines, or water used in devices, can act as reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria. These pathogens may then be transmitted to patients and cause infections—including bloodstream infections and sepsis in some cases.
Treated Drinking Water Storage Failures
There is at least one report of fatal sepsis in two siblings caused by Chromobacterium violaceum, which was traced back to treated drinking water that became re-contaminated through poor storage and hygiene practices.
Contaminated Manufactured Products Linked to Water Systems
In a 2016 multistate outbreak, contaminated lots of the liquid medication docusate (a stool softener) were connected to B. cepacia infections; notably, the manufacturing facility’s water system was found to be contaminated. Patients developed serious infections that required medical care.
Why This Happens / Risk Factors
From these cases, some common factors emerge:
The pathogen is water-tolerant or water-related (e.g., Burkholderia, Chromobacterium).
Breaks in sterility or hygiene: contaminated water storage, biofilms in pipes, water heaters, or ice machines.
Use of water in medical or manufacturing processes (not just for drinking—devices, creams, soaps, medications, etc.).
Vulnerable populations (ICU patients, neonates, immunocompromised individuals).
Less visible water control: e.g., water used in cleaning equipment, water used in product formulation, or in infrequently cleaned devices.
DERMAGLOVE®’s Response: Moving Toward Better Water Resourcing
At DERMAGLOVE®, we believe clean water is the key to healthy, clear skin. That’s why our upcoming move is more than just a change of address—it’s an investment in:
Cleaner and safer water sources
Advanced purification systems (reverse osmosis, UV, multi-stage filtration)
Thorough microbial testing at all production stages
This guarantees that our formulations stay true to our mission: skin-safe, science-driven, and environmentally responsible hygiene solutions.