Qualification of aging (in climatic chamber)

The qualification of aging in a climatic chamber is an accelerated simulation method for assessing the resistance and durability of a product in the face of environmental constraints. By reproducing the effects of time through controlled conditions of temperature, humidity and sometimes light , this study makes it possible to predict the physical, chemical or microbiological alterations likely to occur during storage.

This qualification is essential to guarantee the stability, safety and conformity food, nutraceutical and cosmetic products as well as to materials, packaging and industrial 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 lifespan (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 in these conditions for a predefined period of time, with periodic checks (weekly or monthly).
The parameters evaluated include:

• Microbiological analyses : counting of total flora, yeasts, molds, search for specific pathogens.
• Physicochemical analyses : pH, viscosity, color, humidity level, degradation of active ingredients.
• Sensory or functional analyses : stability of texture, odor or taste for food products.
• Observation of packaging : deformation, migration, condensation or loss of sealing.

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

Matrices and application sectors

The aging qualification 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, multi-layer 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, loss of mass, microbial contamination, cracking).
• Validate regulatory compliance according to REACH, CLP, ICH or ISO frameworks.
• Optimize the formulation or choice of packaging material.
• Shorten product development cycles with 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 make it possible to determine:

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

This data is essential for establishing the DLC (Use By Date) , the DDM (Minimum Durability Date) or the declared stability period .
In the event of non-compliance, they allow the formulation, packaging or storage conditions to be adjusted.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited partner laboratories , experts in aging, microbiology and physicochemistry analyses.

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 adapted to your products and regulatory requirements.