Surface tension analysis

Surface tension analysis measures the force exerted on the surface of a liquid when it is in contact with air or another phase. This physicochemical property is essential for understanding and controlling the behavior of liquid formulations, particularly their ability to wet a surface, spread evenly, or stabilize an emulsion.
It plays a crucial role in a product's performance during application, dispersion, or interaction with various materials, making it an indispensable parameter in the cosmetics, food, nutraceutical, biotechnology, and cleaning industries.

How the method works

The measurement is performed using a tensiometer according to several possible approaches: the pendant drop method, the Du Noüy ring, or the Wilhelmy plate. The technique chosen depends on the viscosity of the liquid, the required accuracy, and the industrial context.

The analysis provides values ​​expressed in mN/m, allowing us to:

• evaluate the effectiveness of surfactants
• optimize the wetting agent in a formulation
• anticipating the behavior of a liquid on a hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface
• to check the stability of emulsions or dispersions
• adjust coating, spray, encapsulation or cleaning processes

Affected matrices and products

This analysis applies particularly to:

• Liquid cosmetics: lotions, serums, cleansing gels
• detergent solutions and cleaning products
• plant extracts and nutraceutical formulations
• food emulsions and dispersions
• technical liquids for surface treatment or printing

It is suitable for aqueous, organic liquids or complex systems containing surfactants, polymers or thickening agents.

Why perform this analysis?

Surface tension directly influences:

• wettability and spreadability on skin, material or metallic surface
• sensory performance (softness, slipperiness, spreading ability)
• the stability and particle size of emulsions or foams
• the formation and rupture of liquid films
• Optimization of industrial processes (spraying, atomization, coating)

It therefore constitutes a decision-making tool for the development, optimization or quality control of formulations.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of laboratories selected based on their technical expertise, specialized equipment, and accreditations (ISO 17025, COFRAC). For each request, we identify the laboratory best suited to the liquid's properties, the required measurement method, and the expected level of accuracy. Our scientific team supports you in choosing the method, interpreting the results, and integrating this data into your regulatory or R&D processes.
Since 2020, hundreds of industrial companies have relied on YesWeLab to simplify the management of their analyses through our digital platform, from sample submission to receiving results.

Related analyses of the YesWeLab catalog

To complement the study of interfacial and formulational behavior, you can also request:

• Apparent viscosity analysis
• Viscoelasticity analysis
• Analysis of foaming properties
• Thixotropy analysis
• Analysis of the contact angle
• Surface condition and roughness analysis
• Hygroscopy analysis
• Solubility analysis