Stability of Cosmetic Products, Shelf Life, and Period After Opening (PAO)
In our laboratory, we perform stability and compatibility tests for cosmetics to verify product safety and quality under various storage conditions. These tests confirm the shelf life and PAO (Period After Opening) of cosmetic products.
What do we test?
- Product stability – monitoring changes in appearance, color, and fragrance at different temperatures (5 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C).
- Compatibility with packaging – checking for possible reactions between the product and its packaging.
- PAO test – simulating product use after opening, monitoring changes, and performing microbiological challenge tests.
- Shelf life – determining the duration of unopened products using physical-chemical and microbiological tests.
- Cycle test – assessing stability under rapid temperature changes (5 °C ↔ 40 °C).
- Light stability – evaluating the impact of natural and artificial light, particularly important for perfumes and sprays.
- Physical-chemical properties – pH, viscosity, density, water activity, oxidation, allergens, biodegradability.
- Organoleptic evaluation – verifying that color, fragrance, and appearance meet customer specifications.
- Absorption, retention, and rewet (revet) – for sanitary pads, diapers, and urological products.
- Detergent efficacy test – stain removal and color retention on textiles.
Why is this important?
- Ensures consumer safety and product quality throughout the declared shelf life.
- Allows legally compliant labeling (PAO, shelf life).
- Prevents complaints, returns, and reputational damage due to inadequate product stability.
Testing complies with the following requirements:
- Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products
- “Guidelines for Stability Testing of Cosmetic Products, March 2004” (CTFA)
- Cosmetic shelf-life labeling in accordance with 1223/2009/EC – Technical Guide of the Polish Cosmetic Industry Association, Warsaw, 20 November 2013
- Practical implementation of Article 6 (1)(c) of the Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC), Shelf-life labeling: “Period After Opening”
- Test protocols and technical instructions of J.S. Hamilton International Sp. z o.o
Why choose our laboratory?
With a combination of long-standing experience, modern equipment, and international standards, we ensure that your cosmetic products are tested comprehensively and in compliance with legal requirements.
For more information, contact us at slovenia@jsh-group.com.