Cost is one of the first questions formulators ask about stability testing — and for good reason. Traditional lab testing has long been expensive enough to put it out of reach for many small and medium cosmetic businesses. Here is an honest look at the numbers.
Our stability testing starts at $1,400 AUD for your first product, with a lower rate for additional products and the option to add preservative efficacy (PET) testing. Below we explain what affects pricing and what should always be included so you can compare quotes fairly.
What drives the price
Several factors influence what a lab charges: the number of temperatures and time points tested, whether preservative efficacy testing is included, how many parameters are measured (pH, viscosity, appearance and so on), and how thorough the final report is.
Some labs quote a low headline price and then charge extra for each of these. When comparing, always check what is actually bundled in.
What should be included
A complete stability package should cover full-cycle testing across multiple temperatures, measurement of the key stability markers over time, a preservative efficacy assessment for water-containing products, and a written, ACCC-compliant report you can use for compliance and due diligence.
Our accelerated stability testing includes all of this: three months of testing at 40°C, 45°C and 50°C, 1, 2 and 3-year equivalent results, pH, viscosity and appearance tracking, preservative efficacy assessment and a comprehensive written report.
Why affordable testing matters
When testing is too expensive, smaller brands are tempted to skip it — which puts unsafe or unstable products on the market and undermines trust in the whole industry. We built our service specifically to make professional testing accessible to SMEs without cutting corners on quality. Get an instant quote to see your exact price before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the price worked out?
Your total is based on how many products you submit and whether you add preservative efficacy (PET) testing. Stability testing starts at $1,400 AUD for your first product, with a lower rate for each additional product. Our instant quote tool shows your exact price before you pay.
Why is your testing cheaper than some labs?
We focus exclusively on cosmetics, which lets us run an efficient, specialised process and pass the savings on to small and medium businesses.