Water dosage

Water content determination using the Karl Fischer titration method is a reference analysis for accurately quantifying the moisture content of a sample, whether liquid, solid, or paste. Thanks to its exceptional sensitivity, this method is essential in sectors requiring precise moisture control, including cosmetics, food and beverage, functional ingredients, polymers, chemicals, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Unlike conventional gravimetric methods, Karl Fischer titration allows for the measurement of trace amounts of water at the ppm level, guaranteeing accuracy and reproducibility suitable for the most stringent quality control requirements.

The Karl Fischer titration method relies on a specific chemical reaction between the water in the sample and a reagent based on iodine, sulfur dioxide, and an alcohol, usually methanol. The analysis can be performed using two complementary approaches. The volumetric method is used for samples with higher water contents (from 0.1% to several percent), while the coulometric method is preferred for extremely low levels, down to a few ppm. Choosing between these two techniques allows the sensitivity to be tailored to the nature of the sample and the applicable regulatory requirements.

This analysis is essential in many industrial contexts. In cosmetics, it guarantees the stability of creams, serums, powders, and anhydrous formulations by preventing oxidative or microbiological degradation linked to excessive moisture. In the food industry, monitoring the moisture content of functional powders, oils, or extracts ensures compliance with technical specifications, controls drying processes, and prevents clumping. For polymers, resins, and plastics, Karl Fischer titration is necessary to monitor mechanical and thermal properties, as well as processing stability. In nutraceuticals, this analysis is essential for validating the quality of powders, dry extracts, and dietary supplements, guaranteeing their preservation and physicochemical performance.

Commonly analyzed matrices include: dry extracts, food or cosmetic powders, vegetable or technical oils, waxes, resins, polymers, solvents, solutions, concentrated formulations, synthetic intermediates, and raw materials for industrial use. This diversity of applications makes Karl Fischer titration a versatile quality control tool.

Water analysis can also be integrated into extensive protocols, such as stability studies, comprehensive ingredient characterization, or industrial process validation. It can be combined with other techniques, such as dynamic chemical scanning (DSC) to assess thermal transitions, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ FTIR ) to document chemical structure, or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to complement raw material characterization. For manufacturers facing challenges related to moisture absorption or hygroscopic behavior, Karl Fischer titration is also an essential prerequisite before tests such as dynamic vapor sorption (DVS).

At YesWeLab , we collaborate with a rigorously selected network of laboratories, most of which are ISO 17025 and COFRAC certified and/or accredited, to guarantee impeccable analytical quality and full compliance with current standards. Each analysis is entrusted to the most suitable laboratory based on your matrix, the required sensitivity, the expected moisture level, and the most appropriate method (volumetric or coulometric). Our scientific teams provide personalized support, from defining your analytical needs to interpreting the results, taking into account your regulatory, industrial, or product development constraints.

If you have specific requirements (curve retrieval, development of specific methods, multi-matrix protocols, technical validation, etc.), please specify them in your request. Our experts will guide you toward the most suitable analytical solution.
Since 2020, more than 200 manufacturers, laboratories, formulators, distributors, and engineering firms have entrusted us with managing their analyses via our digital platform, providing them with a centralized, flexible, and secure service.

To obtain a quote, verify technical feasibility, or submit a specific request, contact our scientific team now. We support you at every stage to guarantee precise and reliable control of the water content of your samples.