Cosmetic Stability Testing: Ensuring Product Quality and Shelf Life

Before cosmetic products reach the market, they must undergo rigorous stability testing to ensure they remain safe, effective, and visually appealing throughout their intended shelf life. Stability testing helps detect potential issues with formulation, packaging compatibility, and environmental resistance—providing essential data for product development and regulatory compliance.

At ME-COS LAB, we offer comprehensive cosmetic stability testing services tailored to meet both local and international standards. Our testing evaluates key physical and sensory attributes of your product over time under various stress conditions.

Our Standard 28-Day Stability Observation

We provide a 4-week (28-day) accelerated stability observation protocol, with evaluations conducted at four specific time points:

  • Week 1 (Day 7)

  • Week 2 (Day 14)

  • Week 3 (Day 21)

  • Week 4 (Day 28)

This approach helps detect early signs of instability, degradation, or formulation separation, especially for new or reformulated products.

Stability Testing Parameters

During each observation point, we assess the following key indicators:

  • Appearance – Changes in color, phase separation, precipitation, or crystallization

  • Odor – Any unusual or off-putting smells due to ingredient breakdown

  • Viscosity – Consistency changes that may affect usability or performance

These core parameters ensure that the product maintains its intended look, feel, and user experience throughout its shelf life.

Environmental Stress Testing

In addition to time-based observations, ME-COS LAB conducts multiple stress tests to simulate various environmental conditions your product may face during storage or transportation:

  • High Temperature Testing

    • Stored at 45°C or 50°C to simulate accelerated aging and detect thermal instability

  • Cyclic Temperature Testing

    • Alternating between -10°C and 50°C, mimicking real-world temperature fluctuations (e.g., during shipping or seasonal changes)

  • Centrifugation Test

    • Exposes products to high-speed rotation to accelerate separation behavior and assess emulsion stability

These tests help identify physical instabilities such as phase separation, sedimentation, or structural changes under extreme or changing conditions.

Why Choose ME-COS LAB?

  • Systematic 4-week observation protocol

  • Comprehensive evaluation of appearance, odor, and viscosity

  • Environmental stress testing using validated procedures

  • Technical support for product improvement and troubleshooting

Whether you are launching a new cosmetic product or reformulating an existing one, ME-COS LAB provides the insights you need to ensure product quality and market readiness.

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