Stability test

The purpose of stability testing how a product changes over time when exposed to its normal storage conditions: ambient temperature, humidity, and exposure to light or air.
This test determines the actual shelf life of a product, ensures consistent quality , and guarantees its safety until the end of its commercial life .

The parameters studied may include:

• The organoleptic characteristics (color, smell, texture).
• The physico-chemical 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 best before date (BBD) or the use-by date (UBD) depending on the type of product.

Analysis process

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

The protocol includes:

1. Placement of the 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 the initial product specifications.

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

Matrices and products concerned

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 physico-chemical stability and container-content interaction.

Industrial and regulatory applications

Stability testing 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 its manufacture and its consumption.
• Support marketing claims related to product durability or performance.

Related analyses

For a complete stability assessment, YesWeLab recommends combining:

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

YesWeLab's 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 , track your samples in real time and access complete and standardized reports.