Stability Testing Services

Why Use Stability Testing Services?

Stability testing is done to ensure a new or modified product meets the intended physical, chemical and microbiological quality standards, as well as functionality and aesthetics, when stored under appropriate conditions.

When does my product need to be tested?

Stability testing should be primarily carried out on new product development. It is also critical to repeat new stability tests should you:

• change an ingredient or supplier;
• move to a new production site;
• change equipment or manufacturing procedure;
• scale up production from a smaller to larger batch;
• adopt new packaging;
• or if there is a change in regulations.

Basic stability testing

Basic stability testing starts off very simply to see how a product behaves in the short-term as a predictor for longer-term stability.  This includes freeze/thaw testing, centrifuge analysis and microscopic evaluation. Samples are held in hot environments for a short period, for example, a week, to see how they fare.  If that stage is passed, samples progress to a more standard protocol of 40°C, Room Temp and 40°C conditions over 12 weeks, which is equivalent to a 2-year shelf life – the recommended shelf life for a typical cosmetic.

Accelerated stability tests

These accelerated stability tests are normally used to put a product on the shelf quickly, but they should not replace real time stability where you validate that the accelerated stability testing does give you the shelf life that you have claimed on your packaging.  Real life stabilities should be carried out so that if you claim 2 years – you can prove that the shelf life actually is 2 years.

During stability testing, the product may be exposed to:

• Microbial challenges
• Freeze/thaw testing
• Centrifuge analysis
• Packaging compatibility

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