Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) determination

Hydrogen peroxide testing is used to measure the content of this powerful oxidizing agent in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, environmental, and industrial products. Used as a disinfectant, preservative, or bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) must be strictly controlled to ensure safe use and regulatory compliance.

This analysis can be carried out by redox titrimetry (permanganate method) or by ELISA enzymatic method , depending on the matrix and the precision required.

Hydrogen peroxide: an oxidant with multiple uses

Hydrogen peroxide is an unstable molecule composed of water and oxygen, which has long been used as a disinfectant and antimicrobial agent. Thanks to its oxidizing properties, it is used in many industrial sectors for:

• disinfection of surfaces and equipment,
• sterilization of food packaging,
• bleaching of textiles, paper pulp and cosmetics,
• detoxification or preservation of certain organic products.

In the food industry, it can be used for the treatment of aseptic packaging or as an additive under regulated conditions. In the cosmetics sector, it is used in the composition of hair, dental, and skin care products, where its concentration is strictly limited.

However, its oxidizing potential requires precise analytical control, as excessive concentration can alter the stability of products and present risks to the health or safety of users.

Objectives and interest of the dosage

The dosage of hydrogen peroxide allows:

• check that products comply with the maximum authorized concentrations,
• guarantee the safety of use of cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations,
• assess the effectiveness of disinfection or sterilization treatments,
• control the quality of rinsing water, disinfectant solutions or industrial matrices,
• monitor the stability of formulations containing H₂O₂.

The matrices analyzed may include:

• cosmetic products (creams, lotions, hair gels, toothpastes),
• aseptic food and packaging,
• disinfectant or cleaning solutions,
• plant extracts, process water and pharmaceutical products.

Analytical methods used

There are two main approaches to quantifying hydrogen peroxide depending on the nature of the sample:

• Redox titrimetry (potassium permanganate method) : This method is based on the oxidation-reduction reaction between hydrogen peroxide and permanganate in an acidic medium. It is simple, rapid and suitable for aqueous solutions.
• Enzymatic method (ELISA or peroxidase colorimetry) : it is based on the catalytic reaction of H₂O₂ with a chromogenic substrate in the presence of a peroxidase, generating a signal measurable by spectrophotometry. This approach offers high sensitivity and allows the analysis of complex matrices.

The choice of method depends on the expected concentration, the matrix and the objectives of the analysis (quality control, regulatory validation, process monitoring).

YesWeLab also offers additional analyses for the control of oxidizing and stabilizing agents, such as benzoyl peroxide dosage, formaldehyde dosage or nitrate dosage .

Industrial and regulatory applications

Hydrogen peroxide dosage is a requirement in several areas:

• Cosmetics : Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 sets specific limits for hair and dental products containing H₂O₂. The dosage ensures product compliance and user safety.
• Food industry : Hydrogen peroxide can be used to sterilize food packaging, provided that it is thoroughly rinsed and that there are no detectable residues in the finished product.
• Environment : It is controlled in wastewater, industrial discharges and treatment solutions to avoid oxidative effects on ecosystems.
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical : controlling its concentration ensures the stability and safety of formulations containing H₂O₂ or oxygen-releasing agents.

The analyses can be combined with additional tests, such as the measurement of active chlorine, sulfur dioxide, or peroxyacid, for overall control of oxidizing agents in disinfection and preservation products.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab entrusts the hydrogen peroxide assay to partner laboratories specialized in analytical chemistry and quality control of industrial products. These laboratories have equipment adapted for titrimetric, enzymatic and spectrophotometric analyses, guaranteeing precision, reliability and compliance.

The majority of partner laboratories are certified or accredited according to the ISO 17025 standard and the COFRAC standard, ensuring the traceability and reproducibility of results.

The YesWeLab scientific team assists clients in selecting the most appropriate analytical method based on the nature of the product and applicable regulations. Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, analysis management is simplified: quote requests, sample tracking, and online results consultation.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting cosmetics, food and environmental manufacturers in controlling the quality and safety of their products, by guaranteeing reliable, rapid and compliant analyses.

Technical data

• CAS No.: 7722-84-1
• Methods: Redox titrimetry (permanganate), enzyme-linked ELISA method
• Expertise: Physicochemical
• Sectors of activity: Human food, cosmetics, environment, nutraceuticals, plants
• Measured parameters: Total hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration

For any specific request, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical recommendations adapted to your formulations or industrial products.