Antioxidant dosage

Antioxidant analysis quantifies the natural or synthetic antioxidant compounds present in food, cosmetic, or technical formulations. These molecules play a crucial role in preventing the oxidation of raw materials, stabilizing finished products, and improving their shelf life. Among the most commonly analyzed antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E and its various forms (tocopherols), as well as synthetic antioxidants such as BHA and BHT, frequently used in materials, polymers, and the packaging industry. Understanding their actual concentration in a formulation is essential to guarantee the desired protective efficacy, maintain product stability, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Analytical methods

Antioxidant analysis can be performed using various techniques depending on their chemical nature, the required sensitivity level, and the matrix being analyzed.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a reference method for quantifying vitamins, polyphenols, and hydrophilic or lipophilic additives. It offers excellent precision and high reproducibility.
Gas chromatography (GC-MS or GC-FID) is particularly well-suited to volatile or thermostable antioxidants such as BHA and BHT. It allows for fine separation of compounds and reliable identification through mass spectrometry.
Spectrophotometry complements these approaches by measuring overall antioxidant activity or the concentration of specific targeted antioxidants via colorimetric reactions. These methods are frequently used in stability studies or for rapid quality control in production.

Analyzed matrices

Antioxidant analysis is applicable to a wide variety of industrial matrices. In the food industry, it concerns vegetable oils, fortified products, functional formulations, processed foods, and natural extracts. In cosmetics, it applies to creams, serums, oils, emulsions, and protective formulations incorporating vitamins or polyphenols. In the packaging, materials, and polymers sector, it allows for the evaluation of stabilizing additives used to prevent the oxidation of plastics, rubbers, or composite materials. It is also used in the quality control of inks, resins, solvents, and technical raw materials.

Interest for professionals

For manufacturers, formulators, and processors, antioxidant content measurement is a key performance and compliance indicator. It ensures product stability during storage, validates enrichment levels, verifies the compatibility of antioxidants with other ingredients, and assesses the effectiveness of oxidation protection systems. In the materials and polymer industries, this measurement helps anticipate aging phenomena, secure packaging formulations, and meet standards governing the use of additives. Finally, for regulatory bodies and distributors, it represents a guarantee of quality and transparency.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of expert laboratories specializing in the physicochemical analysis of antioxidants, mastering HPLC, GC-MS, and spectrophotometric methods. Most are certified or accredited according to ISO 17025 or COFRAC standards, guaranteeing analytical rigor tailored to industrial requirements. Our scientific team selects the most suitable laboratory for you based on your matrix, regulatory constraints, expected limits, and formulation objectives. Thanks to our digital platform, manufacturers benefit from comprehensive tracking from sample submission to the receipt of analysis reports, with personalized support at every stage.

Other relevant analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

• Determination of total polyphenols
• Vitamin analysis (C, E, etc.)
• Dosage of additives in polymers