Antonio Mcgowan
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the global representative body of the fragrance industry. IFRA has set the standards for fragrance creation for four decades, ensuring consumer safety and confidence. IFRA's list of banned and limited ingredients is based on scientific evidence and consumer insights. While IFRA's rules are not mandatory in the United States, companies like Doglyness and Plum insist on IFRA certification for their fragrance suppliers. IFRA, along with the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), also set up a specific nomenclature for ingredients, which consists of a letter representing the botanical parts and a number indicating the type of extract.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To ensure safe use of fragrances |
| Members | Fragrance manufacturers |
| Rules | Mandatory for members |
| Ingredient List | Compiled approximately every 5 years |
| Safe List | Over 4,000 compounds for synthetic fragrances |
| Compliance | Recognised by government authorities and trade bodies |
| Safety Assessments | Reviewed by an independent expert panel |
| Functional Ingredients | Antioxidants, preservatives, diluents, solvents, colours, etc. |
| Allergens | Not everyone reacts to allergens |
| Allergen Information | Important for consumers with allergies |
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What You'll Learn
IFRA Standards ban, limit or set criteria for the use of certain ingredients
The IFRA Standards ban, limit, or set criteria for the use of certain ingredients and mixtures. These standards are based on scientific evidence and consumer insights, aiming to offer a high level of protection to most consumers. While IFRA compliance is not a legal requirement, it is highly desirable for fragrance oils to meet these standards. The system covers 12 categories of ingredients used in fragrance products, including scented candles, perfumes, soaps, and detergents.
IFRA, the representative body of the global fragrance industry, works closely with the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), a scientific organisation that conducts research to inform IFRA's decisions on permitted ingredients. The RIFM also manages a safety assessment program that assesses the safety of fragrance ingredients and compounds. IFRA members are encouraged to participate in this program to enhance risk assessment and management.
The IFRA Transparency List, published every five years, provides insight into the ingredients used by fragrance companies worldwide. This list is based on a global survey of IFRA member companies and National Associations. The latest list, published in 2022, includes functional ingredients essential for the functionality or durability of a fragrance compound, such as antioxidants, preservatives, and solvents.
The IFRA Standards are recognised and enforced worldwide, and all IFRA members must comply with them. These standards are developed in collaboration with members and stakeholders, overseen by independent experts, and are designed to ensure the safe use and enjoyment of fragranced products. While some companies may not adhere to these guidelines, organisations like MADE SAFE advocate for full ingredient transparency to empower consumers to make informed choices, especially those with specific allergies or sensitivities.
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IFRA Transparency List
The IFRA Transparency List is a list of ingredients used by fragrance companies worldwide. The list is compiled by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and is based on reporting provided by IFRA members in the 'Volume of Use Survey', which is compiled approximately every five years. The latest list was published in 2022 and contains 3,619 ingredients, including 3,224 fragrance ingredients and 395 functional ingredients.
The IFRA Transparency List is part of the fragrance industry's commitment to transparency. It provides a 'snapshot' of the ingredients used by fragrance companies, including personal care, household, and fine fragrance products. The list is based on a global survey of IFRA member companies and National Associations, the most recent of which was carried out in 2021. The survey is anonymous and confidential, in line with IFRA's anti-trust obligations.
The IFRA Transparency List includes two main types of ingredients: fragrance ingredients and functional ingredients. Fragrance ingredients are substances used for odor or malodor coverage, while functional ingredients are essential for the functionality or durability of a fragrance compound but do not provide odor or malodor coverage. Examples of functional ingredients include pigments, antioxidants, solvents, plasticizers, surfactants, UV absorbers, and buffering agents.
The IFRA Transparency List is also used to develop the industry's safety assessment program, which is managed by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). RIFM publishes safety assessments in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and makes them available to the public via the Fragrance Material Safety Resource Center. RIFM also manages a list of ''non-supported' materials, which are materials that RIFM has not received a sample or concentration data for and, therefore, cannot conduct a safety assessment. However, designation as a non-supported material does not mean that the material is unsafe.
Overall, the IFRA Transparency List provides valuable information on the ingredients used in the fragrance industry, promoting safety and sustainability while also protecting innovation and the value of fragrance creations.
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IFRA and RIFM's role in creating a specific nomenclature
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the public-facing representative body of the global fragrance industry. It has set the boundaries for fragrance creation for four decades, ensuring consumer safety and confidence. IFRA works in tandem with the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), which is the scientific organisation that conducts the research that informs IFRA's decisions on permitted ingredients.
IFRA and RIFM have developed a specific nomenclature for the description of NCS (IFRA IL971). This nomenclature consists of a letter representing the botanical parts used for the preparation of the NCS and a number indicating the processing or type of extract. For example, the letter G represents fruit or fruit parts, and 2.5 of the ISO Standard means an essential oil derived by cold expression. Thus, the nomenclature for Sweet Orange Peel Oil (CAS 8008-57-9) is G2.5.
The IFRA Transparency List is based on the 'Volume of Use Survey', which is compiled approximately every five years. The latest list was published in 2022 and provides a snapshot of the ingredients used by fragrance companies worldwide. The data from this survey is also used for the industry's safety assessment program, managed by RIFM. RIFM manages a list of ''non-supported' materials, which means that RIFM has not received a sample or concentration data and, therefore, cannot conduct a safety assessment. It is important to note that this does not necessarily indicate that the material is unsafe.
IFRA encourages its members to have as many materials as possible assessed in the RIFM program to enhance the risk assessment and management process. IFRA and RIFM define a functional ingredient as "any basic substance necessary for a fragrance ingredient or compound's functionality or stability." These include pigments, antioxidants, solvents, plasticizers, surfactants, UV absorbers, and buffering agents. While IFRA's rules are not mandatory in the United States, many companies voluntarily follow them, and their standards are recognised by government authorities and trade bodies worldwide.
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IFRA's safe use program
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the global representative body of the fragrance industry. Founded in 1973, the association has its head office in Geneva, Switzerland, and its operations centre in Brussels, Belgium. IFRA's mission is to promote the safe and sustainable use of fragrances through regulation.
Under the IFRA Code of Practice, IFRA members are obliged to adhere to the rules of IFRA’s safe use program, the IFRA Standards, as well as to national and local laws and restrictions on the use of materials and to good operating practices. Manufacturers are responsible for the safety of the ingredients they use in their products. The fragrance ingredients reported in the Volume of Use Survey appear on the IFRA Transparency List.
The IFRA Transparency List is based on reporting provided by IFRA Members in the 'Volume of Use Survey', which is compiled approximately every five years. The latest List, published in 2022, provides a snapshot of the ingredients used by fragrance companies around the world. This snapshot is based on a global survey of IFRA member companies and National Associations, the most recent of which was carried out in 2021.
The IFRA Standards BAN, LIMIT or SET criteria for using certain ingredients based on scientific evidence and consumer insights. The IFRA Standards exist to provide confidence in the safe use of fragrance ingredients. IFRA sets rules recognized by government authorities and trade bodies around the world. The system is rigid, offering the most significant degree of protection to the greatest number of people.
While IFRA is the public-facing organization, The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) is the scientific organization that does the research IFRA uses to make their decisions on what ingredients are permitted. IFRA encourages members to have as many materials as possible assessed in the RIFM program to reinforce the risk assessment and management process.
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IFRA's recognition by government authorities and trade bodies
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is a global trade organisation that represents the fragrance industry. It was established in 1973 and has over 160 members worldwide, including fragrance houses, suppliers, and associations. IFRA's mission is to ensure the safety and sustainability of fragrances produced and used worldwide. The association has developed the IFRA Standards, a set of guidelines to ensure the safe use of fragrances. These standards are recognised by industry groups and authorities worldwide, including Cosmetics Europe and Brazilian policymakers.
The IFRA Standards are based on scientific research and risk assessments carried out by independent experts. They set out the maximum safe use levels for individual fragrance materials in different product types, including fine fragrances, personal care products, household products, and air care products. There are three main types of standards: Prohibited, Restricted, and Specification. These standards define the permitted usage levels or restrictions for fragrance ingredients in various product categories to ensure consumer safety. For example, prohibited standards refer to ingredients that are not allowed to be used in specific product categories as they pose significant risks to human health or the environment.
The IFRA Transparency List is another key tool used by IFRA to provide information to people inside and outside the industry about the ingredients used by its members worldwide. This list is based on reporting provided by IFRA members in the 'Volume of Use Survey', which is compiled approximately every five years. The latest list, published in 2022, provides a comprehensive overview of the ingredients used by fragrance companies globally, including those used in minimal quantities or only in certain countries or regions.
IFRA also collaborates with regulatory authorities and industry organisations to ensure that products meet all necessary safety and compliance standards. Compliance with IFRA standards often aligns with regulatory requirements, helping companies meet their legal obligations and avoid penalties or recalls. By following IFRA standards, companies can also demonstrate their commitment to quality, safety, and responsible manufacturing practices, enhancing their reputation within the fragrance industry and building trust with consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
IFRA stands for the International Fragrance Association. It is the public-facing global representative body of the fragrance industry.
IFRA has a list of roughly 180+ ingredients that aren’t permitted in fragrance or have maximum usage allowance based on scientific evidence and consumer insights. IFRA-certified fragrances adhere to these guidelines.
Yes, IFRA-certified fragrances are safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is important to note that some people may have extreme sensitivity or allergies to certain fragrances, even if they are IFRA-certified.
No, IFRA membership and compliance with IFRA Standards are not mandatory in all countries. However, IFRA members produce around 80% of the global volume of fragrance.
You can check with the brand or manufacturer to see if they use IFRA-compliant fragrances. Additionally, some third-party organizations, such as MADE SAFE and Plum, require IFRA certification for the products they certify.
