Headspace GC-MS
Method
<10 ppm
LOQ
USP <467>
Standard
5–10 days
TAT

Residual Solvents in Herbal Tinctures

Ethanol-based tinctures are generally low risk, but co-solvents and processing aids used in botanical manufacturing can leave unacceptable residues.

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Ethanol Tinctures

Standard ethanol (grain alcohol) tinctures primarily carry Class 3 solvent risk. Our method quantifies residual ethanol precisely.

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Co-Solvents

Glycerin-ethanol blends and propylene glycol-based extracts require additional solvent monitoring beyond ethanol alone.

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Retailer Requirements

Whole Foods and specialty natural retailers increasingly require solvent COAs for liquid botanical supplements.

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Liquid Matrix Expertise

Headspace GC-MS is optimized for liquid matrices — no dilution artifacts that affect other methods.

Tincture Residual Solvents Report

Class 1, 2, and 3 solvents in a single submission.

How to Submit a Sample

Submitting takes less than 5 minutes. Most projects turn around in 5–10 business days from sample receipt.

1

Request Online

Fill out our sample intake form — sample type, quantity, and timeline. We confirm turnaround and quote within one business day.

2

Ship Your Sample

We'll send submission instructions and our San Diego shipping address. Most samples ship ambient or cold depending on stability requirements.

3

Receive Your COA

Results are delivered as a signed PDF COA within the agreed turnaround. Rush service (2–3 business days) available for urgent timelines.

Request a Test →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ethanol testing required for standard tinctures sold in the US?

There is no federal requirement for ethanol residual solvent testing in dietary supplement tinctures, but many retailers require it as a quality documentation standard.

What is the USP <467> limit for residual ethanol?

USP <467> Class 3 limit for ethanol is 5,000 ppm (0.5% w/w) in pharmaceutical products. This threshold is widely used as an industry benchmark for supplement tinctures as well.

Do you test glycerin-based tinctures (glycerites)?

Yes. Glycerites have a different headspace profile than ethanol tinctures. We use a glycerite-optimized headspace method for these products.

Ready to Get Your COA?

Submit your samples and receive an ISO 17025 accreditation pending Certificate of Analysis. Results in 5–10 business days.