Cosmetic Stability Testing

COSMETIC STABILITY TESTING

The purpose of stability testing is to ensure the product maintains its intended physical, chemical, and microbiological quality, as well as functionality and aesthetics when stored under the appropriate conditions.  At selected intervals, samples are evaluated for various physical, chemical and performance characteristics to see if and how they have changed.  The product must remain stable and any sign of instability is indicative that reformulation may be required.

Tests offered include:

• Preliminary Stability Testing - 15 days
• Accelerated Stability Testing - 3 to 6 months
• Real Time Testing - Up to 3 years
• Freeze Thaw and Cycling Studies - 3 to 5 Cycles

We have the capabilities to test organoeliptical properties such as colour, odour & appearance; physiochemical properties such as pH, viscosity and density, microbial count; container compatibility and emulsion creaming.  Finished product samples are evaluated against a standard sample and with reference products subjected to the same test conditions.  The amount of product required will depend on your testing protocol. Testing may also be performed on raw material samples.

PRESERVATIVE  EFFICACY TESTING

Preservative efficacy testing checks your product to see how the preservative system copes when challenged by different types of bacteria over 1 month.  The microbes of known type and concentration are added on days 0, 2, 7, 14 and 28.  A good result is when no microbes grow, or when tested according to the USP and British Pharmacopeia, the preservative should reduce the number of colony forming units over time.  The microbes used in this test are Enterobacteriacea e.g. salmonella and E.Coli, Aspergillus brasiliensis (also known as Aspergillus niger), Candida albicans, and Pseudomonus aeruginosa.  We also challenge with a Bacillus species to evaluate your preservative's effectiveness against spore forming microorganisms.  Re-challenge testing is also available.

We can also perform one-off single tests to evaluate liquids, surfaces and air for yeast, mould and total bacteria.  To allow time for the growth of fungi, the results of these tests are usually available after 7 days.

WATER QUALITY TESTING

Water is a major component in many formulations.  It is also used in preparatory processes such as rinsing glassware, and other materials.  Using the right kind and quality water is essential for ensuring product quality.  Whether it be purified, demineralised spring water or distilled water, it is highly recommended you have a sample tested to verify its quality.  

We are equipped to test water for the following:

• microbial growth
• chloride 
• copper
• free chlorine
• total chlorine
• hydrogen sulfide
• iron 
• nitrate 
• nitrite
• pH 
• total hardness
• sulfate
• total alkalinity
• water metals
• bacteria
• lead 
• pesticide
• salinity
• temperature
• TDS
• EC
• SG
• ORP
• flouride
• bromine

Other water samples that we accept for testing include the quality of include drinking water, river and bore water, swimming pool, aquarium and spa water.