Bilgiye hızlı erişim:
Total acidity determination is a quantitative analytical method used to measure the total amount of free fatty acids present in cosmetic products. Often referred to as the acid value or acidity index, this measurement reveals the extent to which the oils in a product have degraded due to exposure to environmental factors such as oxygen, light, or heat over time.
This analysis is particularly important in formulations containing plant-based or animal-derived oils, such as extracts, body oils, massage oils, natural soaps, sunscreens, and emulsion-based skincare products. As the level of free fatty acids increases over time, it can negatively impact the product's scent, color, viscosity, and overall stability.
Performed via Titration Method
Total acidity is typically determined using an alkaline titration method, which involves the following steps:
The sample is dissolved in a suitable solvent.
The free acids in the formulation are neutralized with a base (commonly sodium hydroxide – NaOH).
The volume of base used is recorded once the neutralization point is reached.
The total acidity value of the product is then calculated based on the consumed base volume.
This method is widely used in both quality control laboratories and R&D processes because it provides fast and reliable results.
Total Acidity vs. pH: What’s the Difference?
Although often confused, pH and total acidity provide different types of information:
pH measures the concentration of free hydrogen ions in a solution, indicating whether a product is acidic or basic. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, where a low pH is more acidic, and a high pH is more basic.
Total acidity, on the other hand, measures the total amount of free fatty acids in the product, offering direct insight into its chemical degradation. A product may have the same pH at the beginning and end of its shelf life, but if the total acidity has increased, it indicates oxidative deterioration.
Why is it Important?
Total acidity determination:
Reveals a product’s resistance to oxidation
Provides direct data for shelf life analysis
Additionally, it gives manufacturers an objective foresight into how well a product can maintain its physical and chemical properties after reaching the consumer.
Helps monitor formulation stability
Serves as a preliminary quality assessment for raw materials
At COSMING Laboratory, we conduct total acidity analysis reliably using the titration method.
Feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
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