Timing is everything when you are launching a product. One of the most common questions we get is simply: how long will stability testing take, and when should I send my samples?
Our accelerated stability testing runs over three months. That window is what allows us to model 1, 2 and 3-year shelf life reliably.
Why three months?
Our accelerated stability testing works by holding the product at elevated temperatures so it ages faster than normal. Three months at 40°C, 45°C and 50°C provides enough time and thermal stress to reveal how the product will behave over 1, 2 and 3 years.
Shorter tests can miss slow-developing problems; the three-month window strikes the balance between speed and reliable, defensible results.
Planning your launch timeline
Work backwards from your launch date. Allow time to finalise your formulation, the three-month testing period, and a buffer to reformulate and retest if something needs adjusting. Building in that buffer is wise — it is far better to find an issue in testing than after launch.
The earlier you lock down your final formula and packaging, the sooner testing can start, because results only count for the exact product and container you will actually sell.
What happens after testing
Once testing is complete, you receive your comprehensive written report with the shelf-life conclusion. From there you can finalise your expiry or period-after-opening labelling and move ahead with confidence. Ready to begin? Get an instant quote and we will take it from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can testing be done faster than three months?
The three-month accelerated period is what makes the 1, 2 and 3-year predictions reliable. Cutting it short reduces the confidence you can place in the shelf-life claim.
When should I send my samples?
As soon as your formulation and packaging are final. Results apply to the exact product and container tested, so changes after testing may require retesting.