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30.12.2022 - Cosmetics

Acid value (AV) and Peroxide value (PV) in cosmetics - Stability test

The acid value (AV) and peroxide value (PV) are important indicators in assessing the quality of a fat or oil. As some cosmetics also contain very high levels of fats and oils, these are also important parameters in assessing the stability of such products.

The PV is a measure of the onset of oxidative spoilage. According to the guidelines for edible fats and oils, peroxide values of less than 10 indicate a normal oxidative status of the oil.

During the course of oxidative spoilage, it is possible for the number of peroxides to decrease again after a certain time, as the peroxides can decompose.

The AV is a measure of the free fatty acids present. The higher the acid value, the lower the quality of the fat/oil.

Both parameters are therefore part of a stability test for cosmetics with high fat content. This stability test, in accordance with ISO/TR 18811, also includes other test parameters such as sensory analysis, microbiology, and other physico-chemical indicators.

The BAV Institute, in association with the international Tentamus laboratory partners, conducts stability tests as part of the safety report. We test the stability of all cosmetic products.

Source:

Guidelines for Edible Fats and Oils: https://www.bmel.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/_Ernaehrung/Lebensmittel-Kennzeichnung/LeitsaetzeSpeisefette.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3