Description
Stability testing makes it possible to assess whether a cosmetic product maintains its physical, chemical and, where applicable, microbiological characteristics during storage and under foreseeable transport and use conditions .
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products stipulates that the safety assessment must take into account the relevant characteristics of the product, including its stability under reasonably foreseeable storage conditions. This information forms part of the documentation required to prepare the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), which is included in the Product Information File (PIF).
At Alpiguisa Innovación, we carry out stability tests to help manufacturers and laboratories assess the behaviour of their formulations and obtain relevant technical information to determine their shelf life.
When should a stability test be carried out?
Stability should be assessed during the development of a new cosmetic product, before it is placed on the market. Stability should also be reassessed whenever changes are made to the formulation, manufacturing process or packaging, as these may affect the product’s behaviour.
The testing protocol must be adapted to the characteristics of the formulation, the packaging, and the anticipated storage and use conditions.
Why is stability testing important?
Stability testing helps identify potential changes in a cosmetic product’s properties, such as variations in colour, odour, pH, viscosity or appearance, as well as phase separation, chemical changes or packaging compatibility issues.
This information helps determine whether the product maintains its established quality specifications throughout its intended shelf life.
The results may also contribute to estimating the product’s shelf life and supporting its technical documentation and safety assessment. Determining the Period After Opening (PAO) requires a specific assessment of the conditions of use and the product’s safety once opened.
How is stability testing carried out?
Stability studies may involve different storage conditions and monitoring procedures, depending on the type of product and the purpose of the assessment.
Accelerated stability testing
The product is exposed to controlled stress conditions, such as elevated temperatures, for a defined period to investigate potential changes within a shorter timeframe. Depending on the protocol, the assessment may cover physical, chemical and organoleptic parameters, packaging compatibility and relevant microbiological aspects.
Alpiguisa Innovación offers an accelerated stability test lasting three months. The conditions, parameters assessed and scope of the results must be confirmed according to the service contracted and the characteristics of the product.
The results make it possible to assess the formulation’s behaviour under the conditions tested and may help estimate its long-term stability. However, the duration of the test does not automatically establish a specific shelf life.
Real-time stability testing
The product is stored under conditions representative of those anticipated during storage and use. Assessments are carried out at predefined intervals to monitor changes in its properties throughout the study period.
This type of study provides direct information on the product’s behaviour over time and helps support the confirmation of its stability throughout its intended shelf life.
Which types of cosmetic products can undergo stability testing?
Stability testing may be relevant to all types of cosmetic products, although the protocol and parameters to be assessed vary depending on the formulation.
Products that may benefit from these studies include:
Creams, emulsions and lotions
Serums and gels
Shampoos and conditioners
Liquid cosmetic products
Solid cosmetics and anhydrous formulations
Products whose packaging or formulation has been modified.
Not all products require the same tests. Microbiological assessment, for example, must be tailored to the product’s risk profile and formulation characteristics. In certain cases, specific microbiological analyses or additional tests, such as a Challenge Test, may be necessary.
At Alpiguisa Innovación, we can help you identify the stability tests and complementary analyses appropriate for your cosmetic product.
Do you need to assess the stability of your cosmetic product?
Contact our team to learn about the available stability testing options and determine which ones are best suited to the characteristics of your formulation.
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