pH measurement

pH measurement is used to measure the acidity or basicity of a liquid, semi-solid, or solid sample. This fundamental measurement is used in almost all industrial fields, from quality control to research and development. pH is a key parameter for assessing chemical stability, formulation compatibility, and product safety.

The pH measurement is carried out by potentiometry using a combined electrode, according to standardized methods (ISO, AFNOR, or validated internal protocols).

pH: an essential indicator of chemical balance

pH (hydrogen potential) reflects the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution. It is measured on a logarithmic scale ranging from 0 to 14:

• a pH lower than 7 indicates an acidic solution,
• a pH equal to 7 corresponds to a neutral solution,
• a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.

In industrial settings, pH control is essential to ensure product compliance and performance. It directly influences the stability, solubility, biological activity, and compatibility of components.

Objectives and interest of pH measurement

The pH measurement allows:

• check the conformity of products to technical and regulatory specifications,
• ensure the stability of cosmetic, food or pharmaceutical formulations,
• control the quality of water, effluents and cleaning solutions,
• assess the compatibility of materials in contact (packaging, polymers, coatings),
• prevent corrosion, precipitation or unwanted chemical reactions.

pH measurement is an essential step in quality control in cosmetics, fine chemicals, the environment, food processing, and materials. It can be performed on a wide range of matrices: liquids, gels, creams, emulsions, waters, polymers in solution, or extracts.

Analytical method used

pH measurement is based on potentiometry , the reference electrochemical method. It consists of measuring the potential difference between a glass electrode sensitive to hydrogen ions and a reference electrode, immersed in the sample.

The main steps of the protocol are:

• calibration of the pH meter using buffer solutions (pH 4, 7 and 10),
• immersion of the electrode in the sample at controlled temperature,
• signal stabilization and direct pH reading.

The analyses are carried out in accordance with the main standards:

• ISO 4316 (measurement of pH of water),
• ISO 22719 (cosmetic products),
• NF T90-008 (pH measurement in the laboratory).

conductivity , oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) or dissolved ion content controls , for a complete physicochemical characterization.

YesWeLab also offers associated services such as conductivity measurement , redox potential measurement, or total dissolved solids measurement, allowing an overall profile of the quality of a liquid medium to be obtained.

Industrial applications of pH dosing

pH control applies to a wide range of sectors:

• Cosmetics and personal care : pH influences skin tolerance, emulsion stability, and the effectiveness of active ingredients. A suitable pH is essential for the safety of products intended for skin, hair, or mucous membranes.
• Food industry : it allows monitoring of fermentation, conservation, microbiological stability and sensory quality of products.
• Environment and water : pH is a basic parameter for assessing the quality of surface water, drinking water or industrial effluents, in accordance with European directives.
• Materials and polymers : controlling the pH of treatment baths, polymers in solution or aqueous extracts helps prevent corrosion and check the chemical compatibility of materials with their environment.
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry : pH determines the stability of active ingredients, bioavailability and compliance of injectable solutions or liquid formulations.

This analysis can be integrated into a global physicochemical control plan, including humidity level measurement , viscosity measurement , or density measurement .

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab entrusts pH measurement to partner laboratories specialized in physicochemical analyses, capable of working on all types of matrices: liquids, gels, powders, materials or polymers.

The measurements are carried out in compliance with ISO and AFNOR standards, with calibrated equipment and controlled conditions (temperature, agitation, sample preparation).

Partner laboratories are selected for their technical expertise and compliance with ISO 17025, guaranteeing the quality and traceability of results.

The YesWeLab scientific team assists each client in defining the analytical protocol adapted to their matrix and industrial application. Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, ordering and monitoring analyses are centralized, simplifying test management and report retrieval.

Since 2020, many manufacturers in the cosmetics, materials, environment and research sectors have relied on YesWeLab for their physicochemical analyses, guaranteeing precision, compliance and responsiveness.

Technical data

• Method: Potentiometry (combined electrode)
• Expertise: Physicochemical
• Sectors of activity: Cosmetics, packaging, materials, environment, food industry
• Measured parameter: pH (acidity/basicity)
• Normative references: ISO, AFNOR, validated internal protocols

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