REGULATION OF THE FRAGRANCE INDUSTRY
Whenever the safety of perfumes and fragrances is questioned, the fragrance industry's
standard reply is that perfumes are regulated by the FDA. This statement is true, as
perfumes do come under the regulation of the FDA. However, let's take a closer look at
what this regulation really consists of.
By law, the ingredients of a product must be listed on the label. These are listed in
order of predominance. There are a few exceptions to the labeling requirements. Fragrance
formulas are considered trade secrets and so the ingredients in fragrances are not
required to be revealed. So the word "fragrance" must be put on any product that
has ingredients added to give the product an odor. The word "fragrance" on the
label may represent many ingredients, sometimes hundreds.
If fragrance is added to a product to mask or cover up the odor of other ingredients, it
is not required to be put on the label. Many companies do list masking fragrances on the
label, but it is not required. "Unscented" or "fragrance free" on the
label is no guarantee that the product does not contain fragrance chemicals. Since
"unscented" and "fragrance free" have no legal definition, these words
can be used any way the company chooses. It is up to the consumer to be informed. Buying
unscented products may not provide protection from fragrance chemicals that cause adverse
reactions.
It is often thought that the FDA regulates what can go into a perfume. The FDA
specifically bans about ten chemicals from use in cosmetics and fragrances. Legally, any
other chemical can be used in making a fragrance. There are thousands of chemicals
available for use in the production of fragrances and perfumes.
Due to the amount of time, research, and expense involved in legally banning an
ingredient, the FDA depends on the fragrance industry's voluntary agreement to eliminate
or limit certain ingredients that have been shown to cause irritation, allergies, and
other skin problems. Trade organizations in the fragrance industry make recommendations as
to the safety of the use of certain ingredients; however, individual manufacturers are not
bound by these recommendations or law.
Safety is an increasing concern with fragrance chemicals. Increasingly, perfumes are a
trigger for asthma, allergies, migraine headaches, and other problems. The FDA does not
require safety testing of any ingredient that goes into cosmetics or perfumes. Only once
the product is on the market does the FDA have any regulatory authority. Then the FDA must
prove in court that the product is unsafe before it can require the product be removed
from the marketplace. Many times manufacturers will voluntarily recall a product that is
in question.
The FDA does not require companies to register with the FDA, file the ingredients used, or
even keep a record of injuries related to the use of their products. There is a voluntary
data collection program if manufacturers wish to participate.
The fragrance industry does come under the regulation of the FDA, but the regulation is
extremely limited. Many of the ingredients used in fragrances have little to no safety
testing done on them. Most of the safety testing that has been done has revolved around
the dermatological effects of fragrance chemicals. The effects on the respiratory system,
the brain, and other organs of the body have not been determined on individual chemicals -
much less in the combinations in which they are used.
Information summarized by Betty Bridges, RN
FDA REGULATIONS
To learn more about the "FDA Regulation" of the fragrance industry (which falls
under the category of "cosmetics"), follow the links to the documents on the FDA
on-line site.
FDA Authority Over Cosmetics
Prohibited Ingredients in Cosmetics
Decoding the Cosmetic Label
"Fragrance Free" and
"Unscented"
Hypoallergenic Cosmetics
Cosmetic Information for the Industry
If you have problems from a product you should report it to the proper agency.
1. Cosmetics and personal care products come under the regulation of the FDA.
FILING A COMPLAINT TO THE FDA
2. Household and other consumer products come under the jurisdiction of the Consumer
Product Safety Commission.
FILING A COMPLAINT TO THE
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
3. According to Postal Regulations Scented Advertising Strips sent via US Mail should be
sealed.
THE US POSTAL SERVICE
Page created by: bcb56@ix.netcom.com
Changes last made on: Thu Oct 23 18:54:32 1997