Moisture determination (at 70°C and reduced pressure, under vacuum)

Moisture determination under vacuum at 70°C is a reference method for the accurate determination of water content in a wide variety of matrices. Performed at moderate temperature and under reduced pressure , this technique allows the elimination of free water without altering heat-sensitive compounds (vitamins, enzymes, plant extracts, proteins, etc.).

Analysis is essential for:

• Evaluate the stability and conservation of food, nutraceutical or cosmetic products.
• Ensure regulatory compliance (maximum water content, labeling, quality standards).
• Optimize industrial processes (drying, granulation, packaging).
• Control the quality of raw materials and the consistency of production batches.

Precise control of humidity levels is essential, as excessive humidity can promote microbial growth , oxidation or chemical degradation of products.

Analytical methods used

The analysis combines two complementary approaches:

• Vacuum drying at 70°C : the sample is placed in an oven under reduced pressure, which allows the water to evaporate at a moderate temperature. This method prevents the denaturation of heat-sensitive active substances.
• Gravimetry : Water content is calculated by the difference in mass before and after drying. Gravimetric precision allows direct and reliable quantification of moisture content.

These methods comply with the analytical standards used in industry (NF V03-707, ISO 1442, ISO 712) and can be adapted according to the matrix and thermal sensitivity of the product.

Affected matrices

Vacuum moisture determination at 70°C is applicable to a wide range of industrial matrices:

• Food powders and nutritional supplements (proteins, flours, milk powders, plant extracts).
• Nutraceutical products in solid form (capsules, tablets, functional powders).
• Dried plant materials : plant extracts, herb powders, dehydrated fruits and vegetables.
• Solid cosmetic products (powders, clays, dry masks).
• Polymeric or composite materials where moisture content influences rheology and stability.

Industrial applications and product quality

This analysis plays a key role in controlling the quality and lifespan of products:

• In the food industry , it helps control the dryness of products and prevent deterioration linked to humidity.
• In animal nutrition , it contributes to the stability of formulations and the prevention of mold in compound feed.
• In cosmetics , it helps to ensure the stability of dry powders and masks by avoiding clumping phenomena.
• In phytotherapy and nutraceuticals , it ensures the conservation of botanical extracts and the consistency of the active ingredient content.

Related analyses

Humidity measurement is often supplemented by other physical and thermal characterization tests:

• Freeze-drying dosage for products that are very sensitive to heat.
• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to monitor mass losses as a function of temperature.
• Dry matter determination for direct correlation with moisture content.
• The accelerated stability test ,
• Shelf-life study.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories , specialized in physicochemical and thermal analyses . Our teams support manufacturers in:

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can centralize your analysis requests, track your samples and access your reports online, with ease.

For any specific request, contact our scientific team to obtain a protocol adapted to your products and analytical needs.