If you’re working with fragrance oils, crafting candles, making skincare products, or just experimenting with new ingredients, there’s a critical document you need to be familiar with - the SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS). Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, understanding what an SDS is and why it’s crucial for safety and compliance can protect both your customers and your business if you are selling your fragrance creations. Let’s dive into the world of the SDS and why they’re non-negotiable in the world of fragrance oils and other chemical products. WHAT IS AN SDS (SAFETY DATA SHEET)? An SDS is a comprehensive document that provides detailed information about a substance - such as a fragrance oil or other chemicals. It includes essential data on the chemical’s properties, hazards, handling, storage and emergency measures in case of an accident. Each SDS follows a globally standardized format as part of the GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM (GHS), which ensures that safety information is consistently presented across different industries and countries. This standardised approach helps everyone understand the risks and safe practices related to the chemical substances they’re working with. Here’s what you’ll typically find in an SDS: IDENTIFICATION: The product name, recommended uses, and manufacturer or supplier’s contact information. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION: Details on the potential hazards of the product, including any danger to health, fire risk, or environmental harm. COMPOSITION/INGREDIENTS: Lists the specific ingredients or components of the substance, including concentrations. FIRST-AID MEASURES: What to do if the product is accidentally inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with skin or eyes. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES: The best methods for putting out a fire caused by the substance. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Guidelines for dealing with spills or leaks. HANDLING AND STORAGE: Instructions for safe use and storage to minimize risk. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION: Advice on protective gear and equipment to use while handling the substance. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES: Describes things like appearance, odour, boiling point and solubility. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY: Information on any chemical reactions or conditions to avoid. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION: Effects of exposure and symptoms of overexposure. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION: How the substance affects the environment. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS: Instructions on how to safely dispose of the substance. TRANSPORT INFORMATION: Guidance for transporting the substance, including any specific regulations. REGULATORY INFORMATION: Details on any regulatory requirements or restrictions. OTHER INFORMATION: Any additional safety information that might be important. WHY IS AN SDS IMPORTANT? If you’re creating, handling, or selling products that involve chemicals like fragrance oils, you should always have access to the SDS. Here's why the SDS is so important: HEALTH AND SAFETY The primary purpose of an SDS is to ensure the health and safety of anyone handling a product. Fragrance oils can sometimes contain chemicals that may cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or respiratory issues if not handled properly. By reading the SDS, you’ll know what precautions to take to avoid accidents. For example, some fragrance oils may have ingredients that can cause skin sensitisation over time, meaning they may lead to allergic reactions after repeated exposure. The SDS would tell you this, so you can use protective gloves or ventilate your workspace as needed. It also informs you of first-aid measures in case of accidental exposure, which can be vital in preventing serious harm. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Many fragrance oils contain substances that can be harmful to the environment. The SDS provides guidance on how to dispose of unused products and how to clean up spills in a way that minimises environmental impact. This helps prevent contamination of water sources, harm to wildlife and pollution. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE If you’re selling candles, soaps, diffusers or any other products made with fragrance oils, you’re required to comply with regulations like REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) in the EU, or OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the U.S. These regulations mandate that an SDS be available for any hazardous products you manufacture, import or distribute. The SDS is also critical for creating your CLP (CLASSIFICATION, LABELLING, AND PACKAGING) labels. These labels provide consumers with hazard warnings and safety information, and they are legally required in many regions. The information you need for creating accurate CLP labels—such as hazard symbols, signal words, and safety warnings—can all be found on the SDS. House of Scent also supply the CLP template for all of our fragrance oils for use in a non-hazardous base up to 10% for candles and wax melts and up to 25% for reed diffusers. SAFE HANDLING AND STORAGE Improper handling or storage of fragrance oils can lead to accidents, degradation of product quality or environmental contamination. An SDS provides specific instructions on how to store your fragrance oils safely—such as recommended temperature ranges or precautions about keeping them away from incompatible substances. For example, some fragrance oils are flammable and their SDS will outline storage practices to reduce fire risks. EMERGENCY RESPONSE In case of an accident—such as a spill, fire, or overexposure—the SDS outlines exactly what to do. From fire-fighting techniques to cleaning up a chemical spill, these documents can be lifesaving in emergencies. For example, if a fragrance oil spill occurs, the SDS will tell you how to contain it safely, what protective equipment to wear, and how to dispose of any contaminated materials. HOW TO USE AN SDS It’s important to get into the habit of reading the SDS for any fragrance oil or chemical you’re handling. Here’s how to make the most of this crucial document: LOCATE THE SDS: Most suppliers will provide an SDS for each fragrance oil upon request, or you can usually find them on their website. READ BEFORE USE: Before handling the fragrance oil, read through the SDS to familiarise yourself with any potential hazards and recommended safety measures. LABEL YOUR PRODUCTS: Use the information in the SDS to create proper CLP labels, ensuring your customers are informed about any hazards and how to use the product safely. STORE IT SAFELY: Keep a digital or printed copy of the SDS on hand in your workspace so that it’s easily accessible in case of emergencies. How To Read An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) CONCLUSION The SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS) is much more than just a legal requirement. It’s your roadmap for safely handling, storing, and disposing of fragrance oils and other chemical products. By taking the time to read and understand an SDS, you’re ensuring the safety of your customers, protecting the environment and maintaining compliance with industry regulations. So, before you start working with that next batch of fragrance oil, make sure you’ve got your SDS in hand! SHOP ALL FRAGRANCE OILS
