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Best Practices for Handling and Storing Fragrance Oils -
Fragrance oils are the magic behind our favourite scented products - from candles and wax melts to bath bombs, reed diffusers and SO much more!
As wonderful as these concentrated oils are, there are best practices for handling and storing fragrance oils. It's important to handle and store them safely to ensure you can enjoy their benefits without any risks.
Whether you’re a seasoned scent crafter, a hobbyist experimenting with home fragrance products for the first time or a small business owner - understanding the best practices for handling and storing fragrance oils is essential.
In this blog, we’ll dive into fragrance oil safety, covering everything you need to know to protect yourself, your customers and your fragrance oils.
What Are Fragrance Oils?
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of safety, let’s briefly cover what fragrance oils are for those of you that are newcomers!
Fragrance oils are synthetic or blended oils designed to mimic the scent of natural sources or create new, unique fragrances. They are widely used in products like candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, soaps, perfumes, bath and body products, cosmetics and more!
Unlike essential oils, which are typically extracted from plants, fragrance oils can be made from synthetic components or a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients to achieve a specific scent.
Though they smell delightful, our fragrance oils are potent and concentrated, meaning they need to be treated with care. So let’s get started on the safety tips!
Why Is Fragrance Oil Safety Important?
You may well be thinking 'why should I care about the best practices for handling and storing fragrance oils?' because safety may not be the first thing you think of when handling fragrance oils - after all, they’re designed to smell good, right? But fragrance oils can be harmful if mishandled.
These oils often contain concentrated ingredients that, if not used or stored correctly, can irritate the skin, cause allergic reactions or even damage the surfaces they come into contact with. Proper storage and handling are essential for maintaining the quality of the fragrance oil and ensuring your safety while using them. But please don't be scared or put off by this, fragrance oils are perfectly safe when handled and stored correctly!
Always Read the Regulatory Documentation for Fragrance Oils
When purchasing fragrance oils from reputable suppliers such as House of Scent, you will find the regulatory documentation on the product page for each fragrance oil.
This includes the fragrance oil SDS (Safety Data Sheet), CLP (Classification of Labels & Packaging information), Allergen Declaration and the IFRA Conformity Certificate to comply with all UK and EU regulations.
These documents outline important safety information, including any potential hazards, first aid measures and guidelines for handling and storage.
SDS (Safety Data Sheet) - Always review the SDS before working with any new fragrance oil. It will help you understand how to handle the oil safely and what to do in case of accidental exposure.
CLP (Classification of Labels & Packaging information) - House of Scent provides a CLP template for all of their fragrance oils up to 10% or up to 25% in a non-hazardous base. You are able to use this information in order to create your own CLP labels for your candles, wax melts and reed diffusers.
Allergen Declaration - This document lists any potential allergens present in the fragrance oil. Many people are sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients - such as Linalool, Limonene or Geraniol - which are common in fragrance oils. By reviewing the Allergen Declaration, you can ensure that the product won’t trigger allergic reactions, either for you or your customers.
Certain allergens can also affect the performance of the fragrance in different applications. Understanding their presence allows you to choose the right product base, like wax or reed diffuser base - ensuring it functions as intended.
The IFRA Conformity Certificate - This certificate is issued by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which sets safety standards for fragrance materials. It specifies the safe usage levels of the fragrance oil in different product categories (such as candles, cosmetics, diffusers, etc.). Ignoring these guidelines could result in products that are unsafe, potentially leading to skin irritation, respiratory issues or other health risks.
This document provides clear guidance on the safe usage limits of a fragrance oil in different product categories. For instance, a fragrance oil safe for candles may not be safe for use in skin care products at the same concentration and so you need to check the IFRA and ensure that your chosen fragrance oil is suitable for use in your chosen application and at what maximum percentage before commencing batch production.
Following these guidelines ensures your product is not only effective but safe for consumers too. By adhering to IFRA standards, you demonstrate a commitment to quality and safety - both of which are essential to maintaining consumer confidence and brand integrity.
Improper use of fragrance oils outside of IFRA guidelines can cause the product to be hazardous (e.g, overly strong scent causing headaches or skin irritation). Following the usage recommendations ensures your product remains pleasant and safe.
Wear Proper Protective Equipment (PPE)
Best practices for handling and storing fragrance oils includes protecting yourself. It's important to wear the appropriate protective equipment, even for small-scale projects. Gloves are an essential part of PPE when handling fragrance oils - especially if you have sensitive skin. Direct contact with fragrance oils can lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. Nitrile gloves are a great option because they’re chemical resistant and offer good protection without sacrificing dexterity. Safety goggles or glasses are another good idea, especially if you’re working with larger quantities of oils or pouring them into containers. Spills or splashes can occur and you want to protect your eyes from accidental exposure.
Work in a Well-Ventilated Area
Fragrance oils are highly concentrated and can release strong vapours, especially when you’re handling larger quantities. Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling these vapours, which can irritate the lungs and throat. If you’re working in a smaller space, consider using a fan or opening a window to help circulate fresh air if necessary.
Proper Measuring Techniques
Measuring fragrance oils correctly is key to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of your final product. Using too much fragrance oil in products like candles or diffusers can create issues - such as overwhelming scents, poor burn quality or even a potential fire hazard in the case of candles. Always follow the recommended usage rates provided by your supplier.
Pro Tip: Use a digital scale for accurate measurements. This ensures that you’re using the right amount of fragrance oil every time.
Pro Tip 2: Always weigh your fragrance oils in grams.
Safe Storage Solutions
Storing your fragrance oils properly is just as important as handling them carefully. Here are some key tips for storing fragrance oils safely:
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Fragrance oils are sensitive to heat and light. Exposure to these elements can degrade the oils, reducing their potency and altering their scent profile. Store your oils in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. A cupboard or cabinet works well for this.
- Keep Tightly Sealed: Make sure your fragrance oil bottles are always tightly sealed when not in use. This prevents the oil from evaporating and keeps the scent as fresh as possible.
Make Sure Your Fragrance Oils Are Clearly Labelled.
It might seem like an obvious step, but always ensure that your fragrance oils have been carefully labelled by your supplier when you receive your order. If you’re working with multiple oils at a time, things can get confusing quickly. We ensure that your label includes the name of the fragrance oil, the product identifiers, our product SKU, the batch number, warning statements and hazard pictograms.
Avoid Direct Skin Contact
Even though fragrance oils smell amazing, avoid the temptation to apply them directly to your skin unless they’re mixed with professional base such as Perfumer's Alcohol for body oils or perfumes.
Fragrance oils used in products like candles and diffusers are not meant for direct skin contact and can cause irritation or allergic reactions if not used with a suitable carrier.
If you do accidentally get fragrance oil on your skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and seek medical advice if necessary.
Keep Fragrance Oils Out of Reach of Children and Pets
Just like you would with household cleaners or medications, keep your fragrance oils safely stored away from children and pets. Even small amounts of fragrance oil can be harmful if ingested or if they come into contact with skin. Store your oils in a high cupboard or a locked storage box to ensure they’re out of reach from your furry friends or your little ones.
Be Prepared for Spills
Even when following best practices for handling and storing fragrance oils - Accidents happen - and spills are a possibility when working with fragrance oils. It’s a good idea to keep a spill kit nearby, especially if you’re working with larger quantities of oils. Absorbent materials like paper towels can quickly contain the oil and you can dispose of it according to your local guidelines. Avoid using water to clean up spills, as fragrance oils are hydrophobic and won’t mix with water. Instead, use a suitable cleaning solution for oil-based products.
Conclusion
Fragrance oils bring incredible aromas into our homes and projects, but they must be handled with care. By following these best practices for handling and storing fragrance oils, you can ensure that your fragrance-making journey is safe, enjoyable and productive.
At House of Scent, we take pride in offering premium, undiluted fragrance oils and with these safety tips, you can confidently use them to create beautifully scented products. Happy crafting!
