Dry matter dosage

Dry matter determination is a fundamental method in physical chemistry, used in many sectors to determine the non-aqueous fraction of a sample. This measurement allows for the evaluation of a product's true concentration, the calculation of extraction yields, the assurance of batch comparability, and the verification of compliance with specifications.

The analysis relies on a simple and reliable gravimetric method: controlled-temperature drying (generally 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 a percentage of dry matter or as a percentage of moisture by difference.

Analytical method: gravimetry by desiccation

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

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

Matrices involved in dry matter analysis

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

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

Interests and applications of the dosage

The dry matter content allows us to:

• Determining the water content of a product (quality, preservation)
• Standardize the results of other analyses (expressed on a dry matter basis)
• Assessing the actual concentration of an active ingredient, nutrient, or pollutant
• Monitor the effectiveness of a drying, dehydration, or formulation process
• Conduct comparative tests between different batches or suppliers

Areas of application

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

• Food processing: monitoring humidity levels for quality, preservation or transport
• Nutraceuticals: precise dosage of active ingredients on a dry matter basis, inter-batch comparability
• Environment: measurement of dry matter in sludge, compost or effluents for yield or pollution assessment
• Phytotherapy: standardization of plant extracts (e.g., luteolin dosage ) on a dry matter basis

Further analyses recommended

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

• Fat content dosage – for cosmetic formulations, supplements or oils
• Protein assay (Kjeldahl, Dumas) – in plant or food products
• Total carbohydrate content – ​​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 partner laboratories certified to ISO 17025 and/or accredited by COFRAC, selected according to your technical constraints, matrices, and regulatory requirements.
Our team handles the centralization of your requests, the selection of the laboratory, the shipping logistics, and the secure delivery of results via your online account.

Request a quote for dry matter dosing

Do you want to analyze the dry matter content in a cream, plant, extract, or food?
We will assist you in choosing the most appropriate protocol.

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