Fragrances are subject to extensive regulation at multiple levels. Individual fragrance ingredients used in U.S. homecare products must be listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory and are subject to regulation by the EPA. Globally, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) determine and implement standards for the safe use levels of fragrance materials across multiple applications. In addition, fragrances must comply with a patchwork of federal and state laws and regulations that govern the consumer products where fragrances are used.

FACT: A fragrance hazard does not inherently mean that a fragrance material is dangerous; however, the composition and concentration of such a material must be taken into consideration.  On its own, a fragrance material might contain trace amounts of chemicals that have a hazard profile.  However, the actual concentration of a fragrance material in a consumer product may be incredibly low and thus present no risk to consumers.  Consider the amount of chlorine used in an Olympic-sized swimming pool: there is enough to kill bacteria but also enough to keep the water safe for swimming, play and skin exposure.

Risk = Hazard X Exposure (i.e., minimal to no exposure = can mean minimal to no risk even when the hazard is high).  We have provided helpful real-world examples from the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) here.

FACT: Consumers may think that a product with fragrance is going to be irritating.  This is not true.  There is also a misconception that if a product contains an allergen, this allergen will cause a reaction in consumers who use that product.  However, specific fragrance allergens only affect those who have a sensitivity to them, the same is valid for irritations.  Just like only some people are allergic to bee stings, pets, or even plants.

FACT: There is a perception that naturals are safe/good, and synthetics are not safe/bad.  Safety is determined by the substance itself – not whether it can be found in nature.  There are many synthetic materials that are extremely safe and many natural substances that are extremely harmful (and vice-versa).