Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) determination

Hydrogen peroxide analysis allows for the measurement of the concentration 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 titration (permanganate method) or by enzymatic ELISA method , depending on the matrix and the required precision.

Hydrogen peroxide: an oxidant with multiple uses

Hydrogen peroxide is an unstable molecule composed of water and oxygen, long 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,
• the sterilization of food packaging,
• the bleaching of textiles, paper pulp and cosmetics,
• the detoxification or preservation of certain organic products.

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

However, its oxidizing potential requires precise analytical control, as excessive concentration can alter product stability and pose risks to user health or safety.

Objectives and benefits of the dosage

The hydrogen peroxide dosage allows us to:

• verify that the products comply with the maximum permitted concentrations,
• to ensure the safe use of cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations,
• to evaluate the effectiveness of disinfection or sterilization treatments,
• to 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 waters and pharmaceutical products.

Analytical methods used

Two main approaches allow for the quantification of hydrogen peroxide depending on the nature of the sample:

• Redox titration (potassium permanganate method) : This method is based on the redox 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) : this method relies 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 complementary analyses for the control of oxidizing and stabilizing agents, such as the determination of benzoyl peroxide, formaldehyde or nitrate levels .

Industrial and regulatory applications

Hydrogen peroxide analysis is a requirement in several fields:

• Cosmetics : Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 sets precise limits for hair and dental products containing H₂O₂. The dosage ensures product conformity and user safety.
• Food processing : hydrogen peroxide can be used for sterilizing food packaging, provided that it is thoroughly rinsed and no detectable residues are left 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 complementary tests, such as the measurement of active chlorine, sulfur dioxide, or peroxyacid, for a comprehensive control of oxidizing agents in disinfection and preservation products.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab entrusts the analysis of hydrogen peroxide to partner laboratories specializing in analytical chemistry and quality control of industrial products. These laboratories have suitable equipment for titrimetric, enzymatic, and spectrophotometric analyses, guaranteeing accuracy, reliability, and compliance.

The majority of partner laboratories are certified or accredited according to the ISO 17025 standard and the COFRAC reference framework, 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, managing analyses is simplified: requesting quotes, tracking samples, and viewing results online.

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

Technical data

• CAS No.: 7722-84-1
• Methods: Redox titration (permanganate), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• Expertise: Physicochemical
• Business sectors: Human food, cosmetics, environment, nutraceuticals, plants
• Measured parameters: Total concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)

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