Stability and compatibility testing is to ensure that cosmetic and toiletry products maintain their intended physical and chemical quality when stored under various conditions.

Independent analysis gives you confidence in your product

We can tailor our standard test protocols to match particular requirements, or alternatively implement specified protocols, as necessary.

Our preliminary (screen) tests start from: £49
Our Standard stability trials start from £160
Our Standard Compatibility trials start from £185
Please note that discounts are available on testing volume.

Please see information below for the services we offer:

Beginners guide to cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009

Confused by all the rules and regulations?

We are here to help guide you through the legal requirements you need to follow in order for you to get your product on the market.

(This guide is for products that are to be sold within the EU. For information regarding selling to global markets please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist.)

All cosmetic products that are sold within the EU must comply with current regulations ‘Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009’. The current regulations state that in order to sell a cosmetic product you must provide the following information:

A ‘Responsible Person’
A ‘Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)’
A ‘Product Information File (PIF)’
The Product is labelled correctly including Ingredients with their INCI names allowing with any product warnings
Comply with ‘Good Manufacturing Practise (GMP)
Register the product information on the ‘Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP)’

So where does Stability testing come into current regulations?

As stated in the above requirements the product will need to have a ‘Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)’ produced by a qualified Safety Assessor. The CPSR contains all information linked to product safety which includes product stability data along with the appropriate microbiological testing data.

Standard Storage Conditions

Temperature Conditions

-15°C (±5°C)
Freeze Thaw cycling [-10°C to 40°C over 24 hours] (±2°C)
4°C (2 – 8°C)
20°C (±1°C)
25 (±1°C)
30 (±1°C)
37 (±1°C)
40 (±1°C)
45 (±1°C)
50 (±1°C)
55 (±1°C)
60 (±1°C)

Humidity Conditions

20°C + (±1°C) / 75%RH (±5%)
25°C (±1°C) / 40%RH (±5%)
25°C (±1°C) / 60%RH (±5%)
30°C (±1°C) / 35%RH (±5%)
30°C (±1°C) / 65%RH (±5%)
40°C (±1°C) / 75%RH (±5%)
40°C + (±1°C) / NMT 25%RH (±5%)

Light Conditions

North Facing Window
Instrumental Accelerated Light – SunTest CPS+

Stability Testing Services

Preliminary (Screen) Stability Test

Helps screen formulations during product development.

1 week stress test to determine whether the formulation is robust enough for a full Stability Trial.

Sample Quantity Required: 100ml.

Samples stored in:

4°C Control
Accelerated Condition (Usually 45°C can be adjusted) – Thermal Stability
Freeze Thaw Cycling (-10°C to 40°C over 24 hours) – Temperature variation
Intense Instrumental Irradiance Control – Photo Stability

Standard Accelerated Stability / Compatibility Test

A predictive study used to estimate the expiry date

Sample Quantity Required: 500ml / 5 filled packs (minimum)

Samples stored in our standard 5 conditions:

4°C, 20°C, 40°C, Window Light & Freeze Thaw Cycling
12 week duration with tests conducted at regular intervals

Test services vary upon product type & Client request
Interim updates & images provided throughout the trial, with full report on completion

Real Time Stability / Compatibility Test

As an add-on to the Accelerated Test, additional samples are stored for intended shelf life (up to 30 months for PAO) to determine the actual expiry date

Sample Quantity Required: 200ml / 2 filled packs (minimum)

Samples stored in 2 conditions:

4°C & 20°C
Test duration dependant on the Clients intended shelf life:
6, 12, 24 & 30 months

Bespoke Stability / Compatibility Test

We can tailor a protocol to your requirements, or implement your own protocol based on the relevant tests required to accelerate and predict the effects of normal conditions of storage and use.

Review our storage conditions & testing services to create a protocol that is fitting for your products

We offer a flexible approach that is cost effective, providing a personal and professional service