The Question
What is compatibility testing? Why is this testperformed? How long does it take? what do you require from the brand tocomplete the test? How much will this cost?
The Answer
Definition of compatibility testing
Compatibility testing is carried out between the formula and the container to ensure that no quality problems are induced by the type of packaging material used. Because the development cycle of cosmetic products is relatively short, real time stability testing is not always practical and feasible.
For us to be sure that the product you want to fillinto the Snappd sachets is compatible with the sachet material, we perform acompatibility study.
This study is done through something we call accelerated compatibility testing and involves us filling and sealing several sachets by hand with some of the formulation, and then placing these into an oven at 53 degrees for 3 weeks.
Each week the sachets are checked, and we look for weight loss of the formulation, and the appearance of the both the sachet formulation in relation to the control.
At the end of the three weeks our Development Chemist will gather all recorded information and create a report that gives the data ofthe study, and clearly demonstrates if the formulation was compatible with the material.
If the product was compatible across all 3 weeks,then a pass and an indication of a 3-year shelf life can be given.
For us to perform this compatibility test successfully we require 100ml of each formulation along with the ingredient list and the MSDS is there is one available.
We provide this test free of charge as a means of being certain that we are performing our diligence and give reassurance to the brand that their formulation will not have any unforeseen compatibility issues further down the line.
