Dry matter dosage

Dry matter determination is a basic method in physical chemistry, used in many sectors to determine the non-aqueous fraction of a sample. This measurement makes it possible to assess the actual concentration of a product, calculate extraction yields, ensure comparability between batches or verify compliance with specifications.

The analysis is based on a simple and reliable gravimetric method: drying at controlled temperature (usually 105°C), which allows the evaporation of free water without altering the dry matter. The residue is weighed precisely, and the results are expressed as % dry matter or % moisture by difference.

Analytical method: desiccation gravimetry

The principle of the method is based on the loss of mass of a sample heated in a ventilated oven until constant mass is reached. Several standards can govern this analysis (NF EN ISO 11465, ISO 712, NF T90-029, etc.), with temperatures and durations adjusted according to the type of matrix:

• Drying at 105°C (food products, cosmetics, plant extracts)
• Drying at reduced temperature (40–70 °C) for sensitive matrices (essential oils, aromatic extracts)
• Specific methods for sludge, compost, fermented products

Matrices concerned by the dosage of dry matter

This analysis applies to a wide range of products, solid or semi-solid:

• Cosmetics: creams, gels, masks, vegetable butters
• Plant products: hydroalcoholic extracts, infusions, plant powders
• Food products: purees, flours, sauces, vegetable milks
• Sludge, compost, organic waste: for calculating drying or recovery yield
• Biological samples or samples from industrial processing

Interests and applications of dosage

The dosage of dry matter allows:

• Determine the water content of a product (quality, conservation)
• Standardize the results of other analyses (expressed on dry matter)
• Evaluate the actual concentration of an active ingredient, nutrient or pollutant
• Monitor the efficiency of a drying, dehydration or formulation process
• Carry out comparative tests between different batches or suppliers

Areas of application

Although widely used in cosmetics, this analysis is also relevant in other sectors:

• Food industry: humidity control for quality, conservation or transport
• Nutraceutical: precise dosage of active ingredients on dry matter, inter-batch comparability
• Environment: measurement of dry matter in sludge, compost or effluent for the evaluation of yields or pollution
• Phytotherapy: standardization of plant extracts (e.g.: dosage of luteolin ) on dry matter

Further analyses recommended

Dry matter determination can be combined with other services to refine the characterization of your samples:

• Fat dosage – for cosmetic formulations, supplements or oils
• Protein determination (Kjeldahl, Dumas) – in plant or food products
• Total Carbohydrate Assay – to assess the energy content of an extract or ingredient
• Antioxidant activity (DPPH, ORAC) – on dry extract or freeze-dried plant material

Multi-sector analytical expertise with YesWeLab

YesWeLab offers you direct access to a network of ISO 17025-certified and/or COFRAC-accredited partner laboratories, selected according to your technical constraints, matrices, and regulatory needs.
Our team handles centralizing your requests, selecting the laboratory, shipping logistics, and securely returning results via your online space.

Request your quote for dry matter dosage

Do you want to analyze the dry matter in a cream, plant, extract, or food?
We can help you choose the most appropriate protocol.

Add this service to your quote via our online catalog, or contact our scientific team for any specific questions.