Accelerated aging study

Accelerated aging studies simulate 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 that could occur after several years of storage or use. It is essential for evaluating the durability, stability, and compatibility of formulations , whether cosmetic, food, plant-based, or industrial.

Principle and test methods

Accelerated aging is carried out in a climate chamber , thermostatic chamber , or photoaging device, depending on the nature of the product.
Controlled parameters include:

• The temperature (from 25°C to over 70°C according to applicable standards);
• Relative humidity (from 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 physico-chemical, microbiological or mechanical variations:

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

For further analysis, also check out the formulation stability test , the total immersion test or the biocorrosion study .

Industrial applications

Accelerated aging studies are 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 labeling.
• Agri-food and animal nutrition : assessment 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 the contents.
• Plant and natural extracts 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 ensure compliance with the stability standards required by European regulations (cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals).

Analytical interest and complementarity

Accelerated aging can be complemented by other analyses to more precisely characterize the effects of time on the product's 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 evaluate the mechanical strength of materials after aging;
• Antioxidant dosage to measure the loss of protective power in natural formulations.

Combining these analyses provides a comprehensive view of the product's behavior over time and under different exposure conditions.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab provides access to a network of partner laboratories specializing in accelerated aging, stability, and durability of materials , accredited to ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC .
Our experts define the most relevant test conditions based on 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 manufacturers in the cosmetics, food, and materials industries with their stability and performance studies.

For any specific request or quote, contact our scientific team today.