Dosage of active ingredients

Active ingredient dosing involves quantifying the molecules responsible for the claimed effects in an ingredient, extract, or finished product. These substances, whether plant-based or synthetic, give formulations their specific properties, whether antioxidant, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, or nutritional.

This type of analysis is essential for verifying the claimed active ingredient content, ensuring the quality of formulations and meeting regulatory labeling requirements. It also makes it possible to assess the stability of products over time and identify any potential loss of efficacy.

Analytical methods

The techniques used for the dosage of active ingredients are chosen according to the chemical nature of the molecules to be analyzed and the matrix studied:

• HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) : suitable for the precise quantification of phenolic compounds, alkaloids or vitamins.
• GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) : ideal for volatile and semi-volatile molecules such as terpenes and aromas.
• LC-MS/MS : highly sensitive and selective, it allows the detection of active ingredients present in trace amounts in complex matrices.
• UV-Vis spectrophotometry : used as a rapid screening method for certain known active ingredients.

Affected matrices

The dosage of active ingredients is applicable to a wide variety of products and ingredients:

• Cosmetics: creams, gels, lotions, functional serums.
• Food supplements: capsules, tablets, powders, oral solutions.
• Plant extracts: essential oils, dry extracts, tinctures, macerates.
• Raw ingredients: plant powders, nutraceutical raw materials.

Industrial applications

This analysis is essential for many sectors:

• Quality control : verification of the conformity of raw materials and finished products.
• Labeling validation : guarantee that the displayed active ingredient content corresponds to reality.
• Standardization of plant extracts : essential in nutraceuticals and phytotherapy to guarantee a consistent composition.
• Stability monitoring : control of concentration variations during aging tests or exposure to light and heat.
• Development of innovative formulations : measurement of active ingredients to adjust and optimize formulas.

Additional analyses

The dosage of active ingredients can be combined with other analyses available in the YesWeLab catalog in order to provide a complete vision:

• Flavonoid assay for plant-derived antioxidant compounds.
• Total polyphenol dosage to globally characterize antioxidant content.
• Accelerated stability tests to monitor the evolution of active ingredients in formulations.

Regulations and issues

Cosmetic, nutraceutical, and agri-food regulations require strict control over the concentrations of claimed active ingredients. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, product withdrawals, or a loss of credibility with consumers.

In the case of products in contact with foodstuffs, certain active molecules must also comply with specific regulations such as REACH or Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab provides its network of partner laboratories, most of which are ISO 17025 accredited and COFRAC certified, to ensure reliable results. Each analysis is tailored to your specific needs: matrix type, preferred analytical methods, and regulatory requirements.

Thanks to our digital platform, you can centralize your requests, track your samples, and easily access your results. Since 2020, hundreds of manufacturers, distributors, and design offices have entrusted us with their analyses to ensure the quality and innovation of their products.