Chemical composition assay

Chemical composition analysis allows for the identification and quantification of elements or molecules present in a sample, whether it be a cosmetic formulation, a plant extract, a material, an alloy, or an unknown product. This analysis is essential for quality control, regulatory compliance, raw material authentication, and reverse engineering. It provides a comprehensive view of a product's chemical profile and identifies both the main components and any trace elements or impurities.

Manufacturers of cosmetics, ingredients, biotechnology, materials or technical products rely on this analysis to verify specifications, secure supplies and validate the stability of their formulations.

Purposes of dosage in cosmetics and technical products

In cosmetics, chemical composition is a central element for:

• verify the identity and purity of the raw materials
• characterize aqueous, oily or emulsified formulations
• monitor stability and detect any potential chemical degradation
• check for the absence of contaminants, residual solvents or trace metals
• identify unknown components in a third-party formula (reverse engineering)
• Optimize or reformulate products according to regulatory requirements.

R&D laboratories and quality departments use these analyses to secure their batches, confirm claims or assess compliance with European cosmetic regulations.

Analytical techniques used

The determination of chemical composition relies on a set of complementary techniques, chosen according to the matrix, the expected concentration and the nature of the targeted component.

• ICP-OES or ICP-MS: quantification of metals and trace elements
• LC-MS or HPLC: analysis of organic molecules, acids, preservatives, active ingredients
• GC-MS: identification of volatile compounds, solvents, organic impurities
• FTIR: overall functional profile, spectral fingerprint, identity verification

These techniques allow both the analysis of an isolated ingredient and the complete deciphering of a complex formulation.

Analyzed matrices

• water-in-oil or oil-in-water cosmetic formulas
• hydrophilic or lipophilic plant extracts
• essential oils and vegetable oils
• technical powders or functional ingredients
• alloys, resins or polymers
• unknown products resulting from a production control

Examples of industrial applications

• quality control of raw materials before incorporation
• detection of metallic contamination in sensitive products
• analysis of the asset profile in complex extracts
• verification of the absence of regulated or restricted compounds
• identification of unknown peaks in chromatograms
• complete characterization for reformulation or supplier audit

For natural ingredients or plant extracts, the dosage of the chemical composition also makes it possible to confirm authenticity and to detect any adulteration or dilution.

Related analyses

Some additional analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue reinforce the interpretation of the chemical results.

FTIR analysis
is ideal for authenticating a raw material and verifying its spectral identity.

pH analysis:
An essential parameter for formulation stability and chemical integrity.

Determination of residual solvents:
Essential for extracted or purified ingredients.

Electrochemical potential determination
: Useful for formulations sensitive to redox reactions.

Why perform this test via YesWeLab?

YesWeLab connects you to over 200 specialized laboratories capable of analyzing all chemical families, from major organic compounds to trace elements. Through our platform, you gain access to the most relevant methods for your matrix, expert support, and simplified tracking of your analyses. You benefit from increased responsiveness, reliability, and technical expertise.