Creams: SOP for Stability Testing under Varying Humidity Conditions – V 2.0
Standard Operating Procedure for Stability Testing under Varying Humidity Conditions
Department |
Creams |
SOP No. |
SOP/CRM/149/2025 |
Supersedes |
SOP/CRM/149/2022 |
Page No. |
Page 1 of 6 |
Issue Date |
21/01/2026 |
Effective Date |
26/01/2026 |
Review Date |
21/01/2027 |
1. Purpose
The purpose of this SOP is to outline the procedure for conducting stability testing of cream formulations under varying humidity conditions. Stability testing under controlled humidity conditions ensures that the cream products maintain their quality, efficacy, and physical properties during storage and usage under different environmental conditions. This SOP defines the procedures for testing the impact of humidity on cream formulations over time.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all cream formulations manufactured at the facility. It covers the procedure for stability testing of cream products under varying humidity levels to evaluate the potential impact on the product’s texture, appearance, active ingredient stability, and overall quality.
3. Responsibilities
- Production Team: Responsible for preparing the cream samples according to the formulation and ensuring proper packaging for humidity-controlled stability testing.
- Quality Control (QC) Team: Responsible for conducting the stability testing under varying humidity conditions, including testing for key quality attributes such as viscosity, pH, appearance, and active ingredient content.
- Quality
Assurance (QA) Team: Responsible for reviewing the results of the stability testing and ensuring that the product meets the required specifications for stability under various humidity conditions.
4. Accountability
The QC Manager is accountable for ensuring that stability testing is conducted in accordance with this SOP. The Production Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the cream samples are prepared and packaged for testing under controlled humidity conditions. The QA Manager is responsible for reviewing the test results and ensuring that the cream formulations meet the required specifications for stability.
5. Procedure
5.1 Pre-Test Preparation
- Ensure that the necessary equipment for stability testing is available, including a humidity-controlled stability chamber, temperature and humidity sensors, and sample containers that are suitable for the cream formulations.
- Review the formulation and batch record to confirm that all ingredients and quantities are accurate and that the cream sample is representative of the production batch.
- Label each sample with the batch number, sample ID, testing start date, and humidity conditions to ensure proper traceability during the test.
- Prepare the cream samples in the required packaging to simulate real-life storage conditions (e.g., jars, tubes, or sachets). Ensure that the packaging is sealed and appropriately labeled for identification.
5.2 Stability Testing under Varying Humidity Conditions
- Place the cream samples in the stability chamber, ensuring that the humidity is set to the required levels (e.g., 30%, 60%, and 90% relative humidity) for testing. Record the initial conditions of the chamber, including temperature and humidity settings.
- Maintain the samples in the chamber for the required period, which may vary depending on the study protocol (typically 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months).
- At specified intervals (e.g., 1 month, 3 months, 6 months), remove the cream samples from the chamber and perform physical, chemical, and microbiological testing to evaluate the impact of humidity on the cream. Testing parameters may include:
- Viscosity
- pH
- Appearance (color, texture)
- Active ingredient content
- Microbial contamination levels
- Record the results of each test, including the testing date, sample ID, and humidity condition, in the Stability Testing Log (Annexure-1).
5.3 Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Analyze the results of the tests to determine if there are any significant changes in the cream formulations under different humidity conditions. Focus on changes in physical properties (e.g., appearance, texture) and active ingredient stability.
- If the product meets the established criteria for stability under varying humidity conditions, mark the test as “Pass” in the Stability Testing Log (Annexure-1) and proceed with the next stage of production or release.
- If the product shows signs of degradation or instability (e.g., changes in viscosity, pH, or active ingredient content), mark the test as “Fail.” Investigate the potential causes of instability, which may include formulation issues, packaging problems, or improper storage conditions.
5.4 Post-Test Activities
- Record all test results, including batch number, sample ID, test date, humidity condition, and any deviations from the specifications, in the Stability Testing Log (Annexure-1).
- If the stability test fails, initiate corrective actions, such as reformulating the product, improving packaging, or modifying the manufacturing process. Re-test the sample after corrective actions have been implemented.
- Submit the test results for review and approval by the QA team to ensure compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
5.5 Documentation and Record-Keeping
- Ensure that all stability testing records are complete, accurate, and securely stored. This includes the Stability Testing Log (Annexure-1) and the Deviation Log (Annexure-2) for failed tests.
- Retain all records for a minimum of two years or as required by regulatory guidelines.
- Ensure that records are reviewed and approved by the Quality Assurance team to verify compliance with GMP standards and regulatory requirements.
6. Abbreviations
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practices
- QC: Quality Control
- QA: Quality Assurance
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
7. Documents
- Annexure-1: Stability Testing Log
- Annexure-2: Deviation Log
8. References
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Guidelines – 21 CFR Part 211
- International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Q7 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- Pharmacopeial Monographs on Stability Testing
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
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Prepared By |
Checked By |
Approved By |
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11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Stability Testing Log
Batch Number |
Sample ID |
Test Date |
Humidity Condition |
pH |
Viscosity |
Appearance |
Active Ingredient Content (%) |
Operator |
12345 |
S-001 |
21/01/2026 |
30% RH |
7.4 |
2500 cP |
Clear |
98.5% |
John Doe |
Annexure-2: Deviation Log
Deviation Date |
Batch Number |
Deviation Description |
Corrective Action Taken |
Operator |
21/01/2026 |
12345 |
Viscosity exceeded specification |
Reformulated batch and adjusted humidity conditions |
Jane Smith |
Revision History:
Revision Date |
Revision No. |
Revision Details |
Reason for Revision |
Approved By |
01/03/2024 |
1.0 |
Initial Version |
New SOP Creation |
QA Head |
01/03/2025 |
2.0 |
Format Revision and Updates |
Standardization of Document |
QA Head |