Accelerated aging study

The accelerated aging study simulates the effects of time on a product or material by subjecting it to extreme environmental conditions: high temperature, controlled humidity, exposure to UV light, or repeated thermal cycles.
This test reproduces in a few weeks or months the alterations likely to occur after several years of storage or use. It is essential for evaluating the durability, stability and compatibility of formulations , whether cosmetic, food, plant or industrial.

Principle and test methods

Accelerated aging is carried out in a climatic chamber , thermostatic enclosure or photoaging device depending on the nature of the product.
The parameters controlled include:

• Temperature (from 25°C to over 70°C depending on applicable standards);
• Relative humidity (30 to 90%);
• Light exposure (UV-A, UV-B or full spectrum lamps);
• Simulated solar radiation or day/night thermal cycles .

The samples are then analyzed at regular intervals to measure physicochemical, microbiological or mechanical variations:

• changes in color, odor or texture;
• loss of mass or water;
• degradation of active ingredients;
• change in pH or viscosity;
• appearance of microorganisms or corrosion.

For additional analyses, also discover the formulation stability test , the total immersion test or the biocorrosion study .

Industrial applications

Accelerated aging study is widely used in many sectors:

• Cosmetics and nutraceuticals : stability testing of creams, gels, emulsions, plant extracts or food supplements to estimate their shelf life and validate the labeling.
• Food and animal nutrition : evaluation of the stability of ingredients, packaging and finished products in the face of heat and humidity.
• Materials and polymers : measurement of resistance to photo-oxidation, yellowing or embrittlement under thermal stress.
• Packaging : validation of barrier properties (oxygen, water vapor, light) and compatibility with contents.
• Plant and natural extract industry : observation of the degradation of phenolic, flavonoid or volatile compounds under the effect of temperature and light.

These tests make it possible to predict the product's lifespan , optimize the formulation and guarantee compliance with the stability standards required by European regulations (cosmetics, food, pharmaceutical).

Analytical interest and complementarity

Accelerated aging can be supplemented by other analyses in order to more precisely characterize the effects of time on the product properties:

• DSC thermal analysis to identify thermal transitions;
• TGA analysis to measure mass losses and thermal stability;
• FTIR infrared spectroscopy to monitor chemical changes;
• Compression test to assess the mechanical strength of materials after aging;
• Assay of antioxidants to measure the loss of protective power in natural formulations.

The combination of these analyses provides a complete view of the product's behavior over time and exposure conditions.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab provides a network of partner laboratories specialized in accelerated aging, stability and durability of materials , accredited ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC .
Our experts define the most relevant test conditions according to the nature of your sample and your regulatory or R&D objectives.

Thanks to our digital platform , you can centralize your analysis requests, track your samples, and retrieve your reports online. Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting cosmetics, food, and materials manufacturers in their stability and performance studies.

For any specific requests or quotes, contact our scientific team today.