Heidi Norton
The terms fragrance and parfum are often used synonymously in cosmetics. They refer to a combination of organic compounds that produce a distinct smell or odour. While the term fragrance is more commonly used in the United States, parfum is the preferred term in the European Union. These terms are usually used as umbrella terms for a mixture of dozens of chemicals, with the exact ingredients often not disclosed to consumers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of Fragrance | A combination of organic compounds that produces a distinct smell or odour |
| Definition of Parfum | A generic term on the ingredient list, made up of 30-50 chemicals on average, but can have up to 200 components |
| Use in Cosmetics | Cosmetic fragrances are applied to a person's body to emit a pleasant smell |
| Labeling | In the US, fragrances are listed as "Fragrance", whereas in the EU, they are listed as "Parfum" |
| Ingredient List | Fragrance ingredients may be derived from petroleum or natural raw materials |
| Health Concerns | Fragrance chemicals are linked to health issues such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities |
| Regulation | The FDA does not require the disclosure of specific fragrance ingredients, allowing them to be listed under the umbrella terms "Fragrance" or "Parfum" |
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What You'll Learn
- Fragrance and parfum are generic terms for dozens of chemicals
- The terms are used in the US and EU respectively
- Some fragrance ingredients are not listed, as they are treated as confidential business information
- Fragrance ingredients are used to make products smell pleasant
- Fragrance ingredients must meet the same safety requirements as other cosmetic ingredients
Fragrance and parfum are generic terms for dozens of chemicals
Fragrance and parfum are generic terms used to refer to dozens of chemicals that give each perfume or cologne its distinct scent. These terms are often used on cosmetic ingredient lists, with "fragrance" being common in the US and "parfum" in the EU. The specific ingredients that constitute a fragrance are rarely disclosed, and companies that manufacture perfumes or colognes purchase fragrance mixtures from fragrance houses to develop their blends.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) lists 3,059 materials used in fragrance compounds, and of these ingredients, some have been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies, sensitivities, and asthma. Synthetic musks, for example, are highly bioaccumulative and can be found in body fat, breast milk, and the blood cord of infants, potentially disrupting the hormone and reproductive systems.
Phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), are widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent linger, but they have been linked to health issues like early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in male fetuses when the mother is exposed during pregnancy. Fragrances are also added to many other consumer products, including laundry detergents, cleaning products, and household goods, which can increase exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
While fragrance ingredients in cosmetics must meet safety requirements, they do not require FDA approval before going to market. Companies are responsible for ensuring their products are safe and properly labelled, but individual ingredients within a fragrance are often not disclosed, making it challenging for consumers to know the full list of chemicals in their products.
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The terms are used in the US and EU respectively
The terms "fragrance" and "parfum" are often used interchangeably to refer to a mixture of chemicals that give a product its distinct scent. However, in the context of cosmetics, it is important to note that the terms "fragrance" and "parfum" are used differently in the United States and the European Union.
In the United States, cosmetic products typically list "fragrance" as a generic term on their ingredient lists. This term can encompass anywhere from 30 to 50 chemicals on average, and in some cases, up to 200 different components. Under US regulations, companies are not required to disclose the specific ingredients that make up a "fragrance." This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to know the exact ingredients in their cosmetic products.
On the other hand, in the European Union, the term "parfum" is more commonly used on cosmetic ingredient lists. Like "fragrance," "parfum" also represents a complex mixture of chemicals, typically ranging from 30 to 50 on average. However, in the EU, certain fragrance ingredients, such as linalool and limonene, must be listed separately due to their status as known skin sensitizers. These ingredients cannot be hidden under the umbrella term of "parfum" when used in specific concentrations.
The difference in terminology between the US and EU is a result of different sets of regulations. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates cosmetic products. While the FDA requires a list of ingredients under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), it allows fragrance and flavour ingredients to be listed simply as "fragrance" or "flavour." This is because fragrance formulas are often considered trade secrets, and companies are not legally required to disclose them.
In the EU, cosmetic regulations differ, and there may be stricter requirements for listing individual ingredients within a fragrance mixture. However, it is important to note that both in the US and the EU, the law treats fragrance ingredients in cosmetics the same as other cosmetic ingredients regarding safety requirements. Companies are responsible for ensuring the safety and proper labelling of their products, regardless of the region.
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Some fragrance ingredients are not listed, as they are treated as confidential business information
The terms "fragrance" and "parfum" on a cosmetic ingredients list often represent a blend of dozens of chemicals. While the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) lists 3,059 materials used in fragrance compounds, the specific ingredients are often not disclosed. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to know the full list of ingredients in their products.
Some fragrance ingredients are not listed because they are treated as confidential business information. Under current federal law, manufacturers can use the terms "fragrance" or "parfum" to conceal all ingredients that scent their products. This means that even products marketed as "fragrance-free" or "unscented" may contain fragrances along with a masking agent that prevents the brain from perceiving odours.
The lack of disclosure around fragrance ingredients is concerning, as some chemicals used in fragrances have been linked to adverse health effects. For example, synthetic musks, which are highly bioaccumulative, can be found in body fat, breast milk, and the blood cord of infants, and have been shown to disturb the hormone and reproductive systems. Phthalates, another group of chemicals commonly used in fragrances, have been linked to endocrine disruption, early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in developing male fetuses when the mother is exposed during pregnancy.
While most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, some companies are taking steps towards greater transparency. In 2014, Revlon began voluntarily disclosing allergens in their products to comply with European Union labeling laws. More recently, major personal care product companies like Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and SC Johnson have pledged to disclose fragrance ingredients in their products. These initiatives are in response to consumers' increasing demand for detailed information about the products they use.
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Fragrance ingredients are used to make products smell pleasant
The term "fragrance" or "parfum" on a cosmetic ingredients list usually represents a complex mixture of dozens of chemicals. Fragrance ingredients are used to make products smell pleasant. Fragrance is an obvious ingredient in perfumes, colognes, and deodorants, but it's used in nearly every type of personal care product. Even products marketed as fragrance-free or unscented may, in fact, contain fragrance along with a masking agent that prevents the brain from perceiving odour.
In personal care, fragrances are made up of different ingredients that make them smell pleasant, different, or stabilize the scent. For example, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent linger. Phthalates are cheap and versatile, but they have been linked to early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus when the mother is exposed during pregnancy. Phthalate metabolites are also associated with obesity and insulin resistance in men.
In addition to their use in cosmetics, fragrances are found in numerous other consumer products, notably laundry detergents and softeners, and cleaning products. Many fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, but we do know that some are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, sensitivities, and asthma.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) lists 3,059 materials that are used in fragrance compounds. Of these 3,059 ingredients, some have evidence linking them to health effects, including cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities. A 2016 study assessed the self-reported health effects of fragrances. This survey of a random sample of US residents found that 99.1% of participants are exposed to fragranced products at least once a week from their own use, others' use, or both.
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Fragrance ingredients must meet the same safety requirements as other cosmetic ingredients
The terms "fragrance" and "parfum" on a cosmetic ingredients list represent a mixture of dozens of chemicals. Of the thousands of chemicals used in fragrances, most have not been tested for toxicity, and many of these unlisted ingredients are irritants that can trigger allergies, migraines, and asthma symptoms.
Some fragrance ingredients are not perfuming agents themselves but enhance the performance of perfuming agents. For example, diethyl phthalate (DEP), a known endocrine disruptor, is widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent linger. Phthalates are cheap and versatile, but they have been linked to early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in male fetuses when the mother is exposed during pregnancy. Phthalate metabolites are also associated with obesity and insulin resistance in men.
The fragrance ingredients are sometimes, but not always, listed on the product ingredient label. When treated as confidential business information, they may only be referred to by the term "fragrance" or "parfum." However, fragrance and cosmetics/personal care product manufacturers are diligent in assessing the safety of fragrances and their ingredients. Scientific review of fragrance ingredients is conducted by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), a non-profit scientific institute that generates and evaluates safety data on fragrance ingredients.
In the United States, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) allows manufacturers to list fragrance components collectively under the heading of "fragrance." However, the Cosmetic Fragrance and Flavor Ingredient Right to Know Act of 2023 would require companies selling beauty or personal care products to publicly disclose the presence of all fragrance and flavor ingredients on product labels and company websites. This bill is part of an effort to make beauty and personal care products safer for all by removing toxic chemicals, reducing hazardous chemical exposures, and requiring supply chain transparency.
Ultimately, fragrance ingredients must meet the same safety requirements as other cosmetic ingredients. While the law does not require FDA approval before they go on the market, companies and individuals who manufacture or market cosmetics are legally responsible for ensuring that their products are safe and properly labeled for consumers when used according to labeled directions or customary use.
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Frequently asked questions
Fragrance is a combination of organic compounds that produces a distinct smell or odour. It is usually a mixture of dozens of chemicals, both natural and synthetic, that are combined to create a unique scent.
Parfum is another term for fragrance. It is often used in the European Union to refer to the same generic mixture of chemicals that create a distinct scent.
Fragrances are added to cosmetics to make them smell pleasant. They are also used to stabilise the scent of the product and enhance its performance.
Fragrance formulas are often treated as confidential business information. They are considered trade secrets and are not required to be disclosed under the law. Therefore, they are simply listed as "fragrance" or "parfum" on cosmetic ingredient lists.
