Dosage of adjuvants

Adjuvants encompass a wide variety of substances used to modify, stabilize, or enhance the properties of a product. These include emulsifiers, preservatives, plasticizers, solvents, antioxidants, and texturizing agents. Present in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations, as well as in plastic materials and packaging, these compounds play a key role in the performance and durability of finished products. Their laboratory analysis is essential to ensure regulatory compliance, consumer safety, and control of manufacturing processes.

Analytical methods for the determination of adjuvants

The choice of method depends on the nature of the adjuvant to be analyzed and the matrix in which it is incorporated.

• HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) : used to detect and quantify organic additives such as emulsifiers or preservatives in food and cosmetic formulations.
• LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry) : a sensitive method allowing the identification and characterization of complex molecules or those present at low concentrations.
• ICP-MS and ICP-AES/ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Mass Spectrometry) : suitable for the quantification of inorganic elements, including metals used as catalysts or stabilizers.
• GC (Gas Chromatography) : often applied to the analysis of plasticizers and volatile solvents.

These approaches address various needs related to quality control, identification, and regulatory compliance. For more information, see our pages dedicated to HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS.

Industrial applications and sectors concerned

The dosage of adjuvants concerns several strategic sectors:

• Agri-food : control of the presence of additives and emulsifiers in processed products.
• Cosmetics : verification of the conformity of preservatives, antioxidants and texturizing agents in skin or hair formulations.
• Packaging and polymer materials : analysis of plasticizers, solvents and stabilizers to assess potential migration into food or cosmetics.
• Pharmaceutical industry : validation of the quality of excipients and adjuvants used in drug formulations.

These services are part of a broader framework for the safety of materials and products, complementing analyses targeting compounds such as bisphenol A or BADGE , which are frequently sought in plastic packaging.

Matrices analyzed for adjuvants

The analysis can be applied to a wide variety of matrices: food and beverages, finished cosmetics (creams, lotions, shampoos), raw material extracts, polymers and plastic packaging, and pharmaceuticals. Each matrix presents specific analytical constraints, requiring a suitable methodological approach to obtain accurate and reliable results.

Importance of compliance and traceability

European regulations (REACH, cosmetics regulations, food regulations) mandate strict monitoring of substances added to formulations and materials. The analysis of adjuvants allows for: verification of compliance with regulatory thresholds, ensuring the safety of products placed on the market, identifying potential cross-contamination or undesirable migration, and guaranteeing complete traceability of the manufacturing process. These objectives align with those of specific analyses on biogenic amines such as tyramine or tryptamine , which are also essential for quality control and product safety.

YesWeLab's expertise in adjuvant analysis

YesWeLab relies on a network of over 200 partner laboratories in France and Europe, selected for their expertise, certifications, and accreditations (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.). Our experts guide you toward the most relevant analytical technique based on your samples, regulatory constraints, and quality objectives. Our digital platform simplifies the management of your analytical needs: online quote requests, sample tracking, and transparent results delivery. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms have entrusted us with their analyses to ensure product safety and meet market requirements.

Take action

Do you want to test for the presence of additives in your formulations or materials? Entrust your samples to YesWeLab to guarantee regulatory compliance and product quality. Request a quote online now for your additive testing.