Metrolab Blog

Oxidation Stability of Face cream

The shelf life, or expiration date, of a cosmetic or personal care product is the period during which the manufacturer has determined a product to be best suited for use.
In Europe, cosmetic products with a lifespan longer than 30 months must show a “period after opening” (POA) time. That is, the time in months when the product will remain in good conditions after the consumer has used the product for the first time. A symbol of an open cream jar is usually used instead of words and the time in months can be inside the symbol or alongside it. Although this symbol is frequently present on some U.S. cosmetics products, it is not required.
One of the most important factors defining the quality of cosmetics is product alterations caused by the absorption of oxygen resulting in ageing, loss of functional properties and in some cases yellowing.
Hence the lifetime of many cosmetics is closely related to oxidation which is promoted by oxygen, light, high temperatures, trace metals and, in some cases, enzymes.
OXITEST can determine the oxidation stability of various sample types, testing the whole sample, without the need of pretreatments.

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