Stability Testing
Studying how a product degrades over time to set a defensible expiration date.
Stability testing measures how a product's potency, microbial profile, and physical properties change over time so you can assign a defensible shelf life. Accelerated studies run at 40 C / 75% relative humidity for 3-6 months; real-time studies track the actual claimed shelf life (often 24 months).
The smart play is to start an accelerated study on day one of your first batch - by month six you'll have data supporting a 2-year date, right when Amazon and retailers start asking. Budget $2,500-$5,000 for a single-SKU program.
Related terms
Guides that cover Stability Testing
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