Qualification of aging (in a climatic chamber)

Climate chamber aging qualification is an accelerated simulation method used to assess a product's resistance and durability under environmental stresses. By reproducing the effects of time under controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, and sometimes light , this study makes it possible to predict the physical, chemical, or microbiological alterations that may occur during storage.

This qualification is essential to guarantee the stability, safety and conformity of products before they are placed on the market. It applies equally to food, nutraceutical and cosmetic as to industrial materials, packaging and formulations .

The main objective is to assess whether a product retains its initial properties — appearance, integrity, safety and performance — for a given period, corresponding to the specified shelf life (DLC, DDM or shelf life).

Methodology and test conditions

Aging tests are carried out in climatic chambers capable of precisely maintaining specific environmental conditions:

• Temperature: generally between 25°C and 60°C .
• Relative humidity (RH): set between 30% and 90% depending on the product.
• Illumination: optional, to assess photo-degradation.

The samples are placed under these conditions for a predefined period, with periodic checks (weekly or monthly).
The parameters evaluated include, in particular:

• Microbiological analyses : enumeration of total flora, yeasts, molds, search for specific pathogens.
• Physico-chemical analyses : pH, viscosity, color, moisture content, degradation of active ingredients.
• Sensory or functional analyses : stability of texture, smell or taste for food products.
• Observation of packaging : deformation, migration, condensation or loss of sealing.

The protocols are defined according to normative standards (ISO, ASTM, ICH, NF) or the internal requirements of the manufacturer.

Matrices and application sectors

The qualification of aging applies to a wide range of products:

• Food and nutraceutical products : powders, drinks, plant extracts, protein bars, oils, emulsions.
• Cosmetic and pharmaceutical products : creams, gels, lotions, aqueous or oily solutions.
• Materials and packaging : plastics, multilayer films, coatings, polymers, composites, protected metals.
• Technical and industrial products : chemical formulations, additives, inks, resins.

This analysis is also used to verify container-product compatibility , in addition to the container-product compatibility test , and to validate the actual shelf life determined during shelf-life studies .

Industrial and regulatory applications

The qualification of aging is essential for:

• Evaluate the durability and performance of products over time.
• Anticipate degradation phenomena (oxidation, mass loss, microbial contamination, cracking).
• Validate regulatory compliance according to REACH, CLP, ICH or ISO frameworks.
• Optimize the formulation or the choice of packaging material.
• Shorten product development cycles through reliable accelerated testing.

In the food, cosmetics and materials sectors, these studies guarantee consumer safety , the reliability of marketed products and the control of industrial processes .

Interpretation and use of results

The test results allow us to determine:

• The rate of degradation depends on temperature and humidity.
• The critical stability points of the product or its packaging.
• The expected lifespan under normal storage conditions.

This data is essential for establishing the use-by date , the best-before date, or the declared shelf life .
In case of non-compliance, it allows for adjustments to the formulation, packaging, or storage conditions.

YesWeLab's expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC , experts in aging analysis, microbiology and physico-chemistry.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can centralize your analysis requests , track your tests and access your reports directly online.

For any personalized request, contact our scientific team now to design a protocol tailored to your products and regulatory requirements.