pH measurement

pH measurement allows for the assessment of the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid, semi-solid, or solid sample. This fundamental measurement is used in virtually all industrial sectors, from quality control to research and development. pH is a key parameter for evaluating chemical stability, formulation compatibility, and product safety.

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

• A pH below 7 indicates an acidic solution
• A pH of 7 corresponds to a neutral solution
• A pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.

In an industrial context, pH control is essential to guarantee product conformity and performance. It directly influences the stability, solubility, biological activity, and compatibility of components.

Objectives and benefits of pH measurement

pH measurement allows us to:

• verify the conformity of the products to technical and regulatory specifications
• to ensure the stability of cosmetic, food or pharmaceutical formulations,
• to control the quality of water, effluents and cleaning solutions,
• assess the compatibility of the materials in contact (packaging, polymers, coatings),
• to 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 numerous matrices: liquids, gels, creams, emulsions, water, polymers in solution, or extracts.

Analytical method used

pH determination relies 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:

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

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

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

The measurement can be complemented by checks of conductivity , redox potential (Eh) or dissolved ion content , for a complete physico-chemical characterization.

YesWeLab also offers related services such as conductivity measurement , redox potential measurement, or total dissolved solids measurement, allowing for an overall quality profile of a liquid medium.

Industrial applications of pH titration

pH control is applicable 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 the skin, hair, or mucous membranes.
• Agri-food : it allows monitoring of fermentation, preservation, 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 : pH control of treatment baths, polymers in solution or aqueous extracts helps to prevent corrosion and to verify the chemical compatibility of materials with their environment.
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry : pH conditions the stability of active ingredients, bioavailability and conformity of injectable solutions or liquid formulations.

This analysis can be integrated into a comprehensive physico-chemical control plan, including the determination of moisture content , viscosity , or density .

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab entrusts pH measurement to partner laboratories specializing in physico-chemical 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 their compliance with the ISO 17025 standard, guaranteeing the quality and traceability of results.

The YesWeLab scientific team assists each client in defining the analytical protocol best suited to their matrix and industrial application. Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, ordering and tracking 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 physico-chemical analyses, guaranteeing accuracy, compliance and responsiveness.

Technical data

• Method: Potentiometry (combined electrode)
• Expertise: Physicochemical
• Business sectors: Cosmetics, packaging, materials, environment, food processing
• Parameter measured: 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.