Purity assay

Purity analysis allows for the evaluation of the proportion of the compound of interest in an ingredient or extract, by comparing it to the total amount of material present. This analysis is essential to guarantee the quality, conformity, and performance of active ingredients used in the nutraceutical , phytotherapeutic , and cosmetic .

It applies equally to plant extracts and isolated substances, technical products and nutritional ingredients. Purity determination is carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) , liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) or spectroscopy , depending on the nature of the compound and the complexity of the matrix.

Principle and operation of the method

The principle consists of isolating the target compound and then measuring its concentration relative to the total amount of extract.

• In HPLC , separation relies on the interactions between molecules and the chromatographic column, allowing for precise quantification of major and minor compounds.
• In LC-MS , detection is based on the mass/charge ratio, offering high sensitivity and specific identification, even in complex mixtures.
• UV-Vis or infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to determine overall purity or to check for the absence of structural impurities.

The method can be adapted to different types of compounds, whether flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, essential oils or standardized bioactive ingredients.

Analytical performance and related analyses

The techniques used guarantee high precision , optimal reproducibility and detection of impurities or contaminants at very low concentrations.

For a complete evaluation of the active ingredients, purity testing can be combined with other complementary analyses available in the YesWeLab catalogue:

• the dosage of total flavonoids ,
• the dosage of total polyphenols,
• the dosage of oxindolic alkaloids ,
• the dosage of saponins ,
• or even the dosage of moisture and total ash for a global approach to the composition.

These services confirm the purity, stability and regulatory compliance of extracts or active ingredients before their use in formulation.

Applications and areas of use

Purity testing is used in several industrial and scientific contexts:

• Nutraceuticals and phytotherapy : standardization of plant extracts to guarantee the content of active ingredients such as curcuminoids, ginsenosides or rosavins.
• Cosmetics : control of the purity of natural or synthetic ingredients used in dermocosmetic formulations.
• Research and development : characterization of extracts, validation of extraction processes and study of purification yields.
• Quality control : verification of the conformity of production batches and detection of any impurities or contamination.

This analysis is a key step in ensuring the traceability and quality of natural and technical products for industrial use.

The advantages of the YesWeLab service

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories , experts in purity analysis and molecular characterization. Each request is directed to the most suitable laboratory based on the matrix, method, and level of requirements.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab facilitates the complete management of analyses: quote requests, sample tracking, traceability, and rapid receipt of results. Since 2020, numerous players in the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and research sectors have trusted YesWeLab for the validation of their active ingredients and natural extracts.

For any specific request regarding purity testing, contact our scientific team to obtain a personalized quote and technical support tailored to your needs.