Shelf-life studies

Shelf-life studies , also known as shelf-life studies , aim to determine the stability and shelf life of a product under normal storage conditions. They identify the point at which a product ceases to meet the initially defined quality, safety, or efficacy criteria.
This process is essential for establishing the use-by date , the best-before date, or the period after opening (PAO) , depending on the type of product.

Shelf-life studies apply equally to food products as to cosmetic, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, plant-based formulations or technical packaging .

They constitute a key step in product development , ensuring food safety , performance stability and regulatory compliance before commercialization.

Study Methodology

Shelf life studies are conducted over several weeks or months , depending on storage conditions and the nature of the product.
They rely on a series of periodic analytical tests to monitor changes in the product's characteristics over time:

• Microbiological analyses : enumeration of total flora, yeasts, molds, specific pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, etc.) according to ISO or AFNOR standards.
• Physico-chemical analyses : monitoring of pH, viscosity, water content, dry matter, color, active ingredients or texture.
• Sensory analysis : evaluation of appearance, smell, taste and texture for food products.
• Packaging control : verification of the integrity, permeability and compatibility of the container with the product (migration, release, condensation).

The tests are conducted according to protocols defined by reference guides (ISO, ICH, NF V, or European regulations) in order to ensure the reliability and comparability of the results.

For highly sensitive products, these studies can be supplemented by accelerated stability tests to predict long-term degradation more quickly. See the Accelerated Stability Test .

Matrices and application domains

Shelf life studies cover a wide variety of products and matrices:

• Food and nutraceutical products : food supplements, drinks, powders, energy bars, plant extracts, oils, emulsions.
• Cosmetic products : creams, gels, masks, serums, sunscreens.
• Materials and packaging : plastic films, active or recyclable packaging, food contact polymers.
• Animal and plant nutrition products : fortified feeds, additive formulations, culture substrates.

These studies help to guarantee the microbiological stability , organoleptic quality and food safety of the products throughout their commercial life.

Industrial and regulatory applications

Shelf-life evaluation is essential for:

• Determine the best before date (DDM) or use-by date (DLC) of food products and supplements.
• Establish the PAO of cosmetic products according to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
• Verify compliance with safety and labeling standards.
• Optimize the formulation and packaging to extend shelf life.
• Prevent consumer complaints and logistical losses related to product degradation.

For products sensitive to oxidation or microbial contamination, these tests are often combined with:

• The evaluation of the oxidation stability of fats and oils .
• The container-product compatibility test .
• Microbial contamination control for sensitive products.

Interpretation and use of results

The data collected during the study allows us to plot a stability curve over time , highlighting any observed degradation.
Critical parameters (such as loss of active ingredient, pH variation, and microbial growth) are used to estimate the optimal shelf life of the product , by defining a safety margin adapted to transport and storage conditions.

This scientific and predictive approach guarantees product reliability while optimizing their commercial lifecycle.

YesWeLab's expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards , specializing in stability studies, microbiology, and physicochemical analyses.
Our teams support manufacturers, formulators, and distributors in:

• The implementation of the experimental protocol adapted to the nature of the product.
• Comprehensive analytical monitoring ( microbiological, chemical, sensory).
• Interpreting the results and determining the optimal storage time .

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , shelf-life testing management is simplified: quote request, sample tracking and secure access to analysis reports.

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