The AITEX Cosmetics Laboratory continues to expand and strengthen its analytical capabilities with the incorporation of new physico-chemical techniques aimed at achieving a more precise and comprehensive characterisation of raw materials and cosmetic products. These new methodologies make it possible to gain deeper insight into ingredient behaviour, optimise formulation development and reinforce quality control processes, offering the industry increasingly solid and specialised scientific support.
In a context marked by growing regulatory demands, the need for safe and effective products, and a strong commitment to innovation in formulation, having reliable analytical data is key to ensuring the quality and stability of cosmetic products throughout their entire life cycle. In this regard, the expansion of the AITEX Cosmetics Laboratory’s testing portfolio represents a significant step forward in providing technical support to companies in the sector.
Analysis of the thermal behaviour of cosmetic ingredients
Among the newly incorporated techniques are melting point and dropping point tests, which are essential for understanding the thermal behaviour of ingredients commonly used in cosmetic formulations, such as waxes, butters, fatty alcohols and certain surfactants. These parameters make it possible to assess how materials respond to temperature variations, a critical aspect both during product development and in storage and final use conditions.
The melting point, determined using automated equipment based on capillary methods or optical detection systems, provides key information on the consistency and stability of solid or semi-solid products, such as lip balms, cosmetic sticks or stick-format deodorants. In addition, this test is particularly useful for assessing the purity of raw materials and studying compatibility between different components during the formulation phase, helping to prevent stability issues or sensory defects.
The dropping point, meanwhile, is an indispensable tool for the characterisation of semi-solid materials whose phase change does not occur abruptly. This parameter indicates the temperature at which a material begins to flow under its own weight, allowing its behaviour under heat conditions to be predicted. Thanks to this test, formulations can be adjusted to achieve the desired balance between hardness, plasticity and stability—key aspects of the product’s user experience.
Analytical tools that reinforce product safety and quality
The expansion of the AITEX Cosmetics Laboratory’s capabilities also includes the incorporation of tests aimed at strengthening product safety, traceability and quality. These include the measurement of the refractive index, an optical property widely used for the identification and characterisation of oils, silicones, fragrances and hydroalcoholic solutions.
This test is highly sensitive to small variations in composition, making it a fast and reliable method for detecting possible adulterations, verifying the purity of raw materials and ensuring consistency between different production batches. As a result, refractive index measurement has become a key tool in routine quality control processes within the cosmetic industry.
Another newly implemented technique is the determination of the flash point, an essential test for formulations containing volatile solvents or flammable components. This parameter defines the minimum temperature at which the vapours emitted by a liquid can ignite in the presence of an ignition source, making it possible to classify products according to their level of risk.
Accurate determination of the flash point is fundamental to ensuring safe handling, storage and transport conditions, as well as compliance with current regulations. To this end, the laboratory uses both closed-cup and open-cup equipment, such as Pensky-Martens or Setaflash methods, which ensure precise, reproducible measurements aligned with international standards..
AITEX, a comprehensive partner for the cosmetics industry
The incorporation of these new techniques not only broadens the analytical scope of the AITEX Cosmetics Laboratory, but also reinforces its role as a strategic partner for the industry. The data obtained through these tests are essential for optimising formulations, evaluating product stability, anticipating behaviour under different conditions and strengthening companies’ internal quality control systems.
AITEX trabaja para acompañar a las compañías del sector en el desarrollo de productos cosméticos seguros, eficaces y de alta calidad. El laboratorio cosmético del centro dispone de un amplio catálogo de ensayos físicoquímicos, microbiológicos, sensoriales y de eficacia, respaldados por tecnología avanzada y un equipo técnico altamente especializado.
AITEX works closely with companies in the sector to support the development of safe, effective and high-quality cosmetic products. The centre’s Cosmetics Laboratory offers a wide range of physico-chemical, microbiological, sensory and efficacy tests, backed by advanced technology and a highly specialised technical team.
The incorporation of new analytical methodologies consolidates AITEX’s position as a leading scientific partner for the cosmetics sector, providing solutions that facilitate regulatory compliance, drive innovation in formulation and contribute to the continuous improvement of cosmetic products.