At first blush, the cosmetics used to keep people looking their best each day are safe and effective. But Devinda Hiripitiyage, a senior biology major at Ohio Wesleyan University, wanted to be sure. So the Sri Lankan resident spent a year and a half studying the issue.

For his efforts, Hiripitiyage has earned the 2010 Allan A. Ichida Undergraduate Research Award from the Ohio Branch of the American Society for Microbiology. The award, recognizing the best undergraduate presentation at the Ohio Branch's annual meeting, was announced on April 17 at The Procter and Gamble Co. headquarters in Mason, Ohio. "Despite containing antimicrobial compounds, cosmetic products can be an ideal site for microbial growth, as they are rich in nutrients," said Hiripitiyage, who will pursue an advanced degree in microbial ecology at Kent State University after graduating from Ohio Wesleyan. "Some microbes that grow may be harmless, while others could be quite harmful, resulting in eye and skin infections."

Devinda Hiripitiyage (left) displays the 2010 Allan A. Ichida Undergraduate Research Award that he earned from the Ohio Branch of the American Society for Microbiology. With him is Laura Tuhela-Reuning, OWU's scanning electron microscope technician. Photo courtesy of Devinda Hiripitiyage '10

Hiripitiyage's study, "Post-consumer contamination of cosmetic products in the United States and Sri Lanka," examined the types of microorganisms growing in cosmetic products used by consumers for between six months and five years. His research, involving Ohio Wesleyan's scanning electron microscope, determined that as long as cosmetic-wearers wash off and reapply products regularly, the antibacterial in the products "do a good job of preventing bacterial spores from growing."

"We know that cosmetic companies tell us to throw away our cosmetics every three months," Hiripitiyage concluded. "With regard to this aspect, it was concluded that as long as you have good hygiene, the cosmetics can be used for a longer period." But he does caution that people always should wash their hands before applying cosmetics and not share products. "Different people have their own unique flora on their skin, and these bacteria can cause infection in one person but not in another," he said.

Laura Tuhela-Reuning, Ph.D., Ohio Wesleyan's scanning electron microscope technician, worked with Hiripitiyage on the study and attended the Ohio Branch microbiology conference. "As you can imagine," Tuhela-Reuning said, "the scientists at Procter and Gamble were quite interested in Dev's results."

Tuhela-Reuning said more than 150 microbiologists attended the conference, with nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate students presenting research. It's especially fitting that Hiripitiyage earned an Allan A Ichida Undergraduate Research Award because the prize which included a $100 check, is named in memory of Ichida, a Botany professor at Ohio Wesleyan and a former president of the Ohio Branch of the American Society for Microbiology.

The American Society for Microbiology, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the world's largest scientific society of individuals interested in the microbiological sciences. Its mission is to advance the microbiological sciences as a means for understanding life processes and to apply this knowledge to help improve the world's health, environment, and economy.

Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier small, private universities, with more than 90 undergraduate majors, sequences, and courses of study, and 22 Division III varsity sports. Located in Delaware, Ohio, just minutes north of Ohio's capital and largest city, Columbus, the university combines a globally focused curriculum with off-campus learning and leadership opportunities that translate classroom theory into real-world practice.

OWU's close-knit community of 1,850 students represents 45 states and 57 countries. Ohio Wesleyan earned a 2009 Presidential Award for Excellence in General Community Service, is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives," and is included on the "best colleges" lists of U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review. Learn more at www.owu.edu.