Stability test

The stability test aims to evaluate the evolution of a product over time when it is exposed to its normal storage conditions: room temperature, humidity, exposure to light or air.
This test makes it possible to determine the actual shelf life of a product, to ensure the consistency of its quality , and to guarantee its safety until the end of its commercial life .

The parameters studied may include:

• Organoleptic characteristics ( color, odor, texture).
• Physicochemical parameters ( pH, viscosity, density, refractive index).
• activity or functional efficiency .
• Microbiological stability ( absence of contamination, preservation of antimicrobial power).

The stability test is essential to define the DLUO (Best Before Date) or the DLC (Use By Date) depending on the type of product.

Progress of the analysis

The study is conducted on several representative batches and packaging to ensure the reproducibility and reliability of the results.

The protocol includes:

1. Placement of samples in their final packaging.
2. Storage under different controlled conditions (e.g. 25°C / 60% RH, 30°C / 65% RH, 40°C / 75% RH).
3. Samples taken at regular intervals (1, 3, 6, 9, 12 months).
4. Comparative analyses with initial product specifications.

The objective is to determine whether the product remains stable, safe and compliant over time.

Affected matrices and products

This test applies to many sectors:

• Cosmetics : creams, gels, serums, lotions, oils, makeup.
• Nutraceuticals and food supplements : powders, capsules, dry extracts, liquids.
• Plant products : botanical extracts, essential oils, hydrosols.
• Food products : enriched formulations, functional drinks.
• Packaging and polymer materials : verification of physicochemical stability and container-content interaction.

Industrial and regulatory applications

The stability test is an essential step for:

• Validate the shelf life and regulatory compliance of a product (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 for cosmetics, Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 for foodstuffs).
• Optimize the formulation to improve robustness and preservation.
• Ensure product consistency between the time of manufacture and consumption.
• Support marketing claims related to product durability or performance.

Related analyses

For a complete stability assessment, YesWeLab recommends combining:

• Accelerated stability testing to simulate rapid product aging.
• Stability and compatibility tests to assess the interaction between the formula and its packaging.
• The study of the photostability of a sunscreen product to analyze resistance to UV light.
• Analysis of the oxidation stability of fats and oils for products sensitive to oxidation.
• Shelf-life studies to validate the microbiological and physicochemical sustainability of the product.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab provides a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories , specializing in the stability of cosmetic, food and nutraceutical products .

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , it is possible to centralize your stability studies , monitor your samples in real time and access complete and standardized reports.