Apparatus and methods for stable and reproducible optical diffuse reflection measurement are described. Light sources and photodetectors are used such that at least two points of light entry and at least two points of light exit are established on the surface of the sample. The light sources are modulated and the detector outputs are demodulated such that the signals associated with the at least four optical measurement beams are individually detected. The signals are processed such that all instabilities generated at the surface of the sample are canceled out. In effect, the accuracy of the measurement is increased by having only the deeper layers of the sample contribute to the result. The geometry of the probe can be optimized for specific sampling depths and for specific measurement applications. Spectroscopic referencing can be eliminated since instabilities of light emission and detection are also canceled out.