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If you work with fragrance oils, whether in candle making, soap crafting, or producing beauty products, you’ve probably needed to know how to read an IFRA Conformity Certificate. This document is key to ensuring your products are safe for consumers and comply with international safety standards. However, these certificates can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the technical jargon.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This blog post will break down each part of an IFRA Conformity Certificate, explaining what it all means and how you can use this vital information to create safe, compliant, and high-quality products. By the end, you’ll feel confident reading and applying the guidelines in your day-to-day production process.
What Is an IFRA Conformity Certificate?
Before diving into the certificate, let’s briefly recap what an IFRA Conformity Certificate is. The certificate is issued by fragrance manufacturers to confirm that their fragrance oils comply with the safety standards set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). These standards, based on scientific research and updated regularly, dictate how much of a fragrance oil can be safely used in various types of products.
The certificate details safe usage levels for different product categories (e.g., candles, cosmetics, personal care items) and helps you ensure that your products won’t cause harm to consumers, such as skin irritation or allergic reactions. Essentially, it’s your safety road map.
What Is An IFRA Conformity Certificate?
Now, let’s break down each section. We've used the IFRA Conformity Certificate for our Alien Invasion Fragrance Oil so we can help you to understand what each section relates to.
Issue date & Version - The issue date refers to the date that the IFRA was supplied to us by the manufacturer of our fragrance oils. You will find this at the top of every page listed within the IFRA.
The version number is always displayed the date and a number. Please note that no IFRA conformity certificate is the same as they are unique to each fragrance oil.
IFRA regularly updates its safety standards based on new scientific research. This section tells you which version of the IFRA standards the certificate adheres to.
Any updates to the IFRA will be reflected as Version 1, 2, 3 and so on - with Version 1 being the original IFRA conformity certificate and Version 3 being the latest, updated version. The date shown is when the version was issued by the manufacturer.
Each amendment may include new restrictions, allowances, or modifications to existing standards. It’s important to always check that you’re working with the most current certificate to ensure your products comply with the latest safety recommendations.
Knowing how to read an IFRA conformity certificate and keeping upto date with the latest amendments will make you an expect in your craft, which is another huge selling point for your business.
Certifying Party / Certificate Delivered To - This section will include the name and full address of the fragrance oil supplier. Having this information on hand is crucial in case you need further clarification or updates on the product’s compliance with IFRA standards.
Scope Of The Certificate - This is the commercial name of the fragrance oil that the IFRA conformity certificate relates to. This is important because it ensures you’re referring to the correct fragrance oil when reviewing its safety and usage guidelines.
Compulsory Information - This section confirms that the fragrance oil that the IFRA relates to has been formulated and created to IFRA standards, up to and including the 51st Amendment (published June 2023) and the European Cosmetic Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 and its modifications, provided that the maximum level of use (%) is not exceeded.
IFRA Categories - IFRA divides fragrance products into several categories, each representing a different type of consumer exposure.
Category 1: Products applied to lips (lip balms, lipsticks).
Category 2: Products applied to armpits (deodorants, antiperspirants).
Category 3: Products with high dermal exposure (hand creams, body lotions).
Category 4: Fine fragrances (perfumes, body sprays).
Category 5: Hair styling aids (shampoos, conditioners).
Category 6: Oral care products (mouthwash, toothpaste).
Category 7: Rinse-off products (soaps, shampoos).
Category 8: Intimate wipes, feminine hygiene products.
Category 9: Air care products (room sprays, fabric sprays).
Category 10: Household products (detergents, surface cleaners).
Category 11: Candles, wax melts, reed diffusers.
Category 12: Insect repellents, deodorizing products.
The categories are defined based on the type of exposure the consumer has to the fragrance, such as inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion (in the case of lip products).
Maximum Level of Use (%) - For each product category, the IFRA conformity certificate will list the maximum concentration of fragrance oil that can be used. This is usually stated as a percentage.
It’s essential to stick to these recommended usage levels to avoid adverse effects like skin irritation or respiratory issues. You’ll also need to make sure that the amount of fragrance you’re using fits within these limits when formulating products.
Not Approved - This means that the fragrance oil has not been tested in that product category therefore, it shouldn’t be used to make any products listed within that category.
Not Limited - This means that the fragrance oil isn’t limited to a particular percentage. However, you should only use the recommended amount for a product within that category and always test thoroughly before commencing batch production to ensure that your chosen fragrance oil percentage is suitable for use in your chosen application.
Why Is This So Important?
Different products interact with the skin, body, and environment in various ways. For instance, a fragrance oil that’s perfectly safe in a candle might cause irritation if used in a body lotion. The IFRA standards ensure that you’re using the right amount of fragrance oil for each specific application, keeping both the product, the customer and yourself, safe.
EU Cosmetic Information - If you’re planning to sell your products outside the UK, this table is essential. It outlines the maximum usage levels for each product type, as EU regulations may differ based on the allergens in the fragrance oil.
No matter what product you're making, be sure to check both the UK and EU tables and use the lower percentage listed. This approach can save time and ensure compliance when selling in both the UK and EU markets.
Annex 1 - This table provides detailed information about each category and the specific products within them. It helps you identify which category your product falls under, making it easier to determine the safe amount of fragrance oil you can use.
How to Use the IFRA Conformity Certificate
Now that you know how to read each part of the certificate, it’s time to put that knowledge to use!
Review the issue date and version number to make sure you’re using the most up-to-date IFRA conformity certificate.
Double-check the fragrance name and supplier details to ensure that the documents match that of the fragrance oil that you are using in your creations.
Review the Compulsory Imformation and carefully examine the product categories and safe usage levels to determine how much of the fragrance oil you can safely use in your preferred application.
Look for any restricted or prohibited uses to avoid creating non-compliant or unsafe products. These will be listed as 'Not Approved'.
Take note of any special exemptions that might apply. Some fragrance oils are listed as 'Not Limited' but it's always best to keep within the recommended amount for a product within that category.
Document the Declaration of Conformity for your records to ensure you’re compliant with legal and safety standards.
Conclusion
Understanding how to read an IFRA Conformity Certificate is essential for anyone who works with fragrance oils. This certificate provides a clear road map for creating safe, compliant products, protecting both your customers and your business.
By taking the time to understand each section, you’ll not only enhance the quality and safety of your products but also give yourself peace of mind knowing that you’re following global safety standards.
In the ever-evolving world of fragrances, the IFRA Conformity Certificate is your trusted guide to navigating the complexities of fragrance formulation safely and effectively.
If you have any questions on the IFRA or need help with anything else, please feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team and we'd be more than happy to help!
