In two words - IFRA 50
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) recently released its 50th Amendment, marking a significant milestone in the regulation of fragrance ingredients. This update introduces new standards and modifications to existing ones, reflecting the latest scientific research and safety assessments. One of the key changes in IFRA 50 is the reclassification of certain fragrance ingredients based on new toxicological data. This reclassification aims to enhance consumer safety by reducing potential risks associated with these ingredients.
Another critical update in IFRA 50 is the introduction of new restrictions and usage limits for specific substances. These changes are designed to minimize adverse health effects, such as skin sensitization and respiratory issues, which can arise from exposure to certain fragrance components. The amendment also includes updated guidelines for the safe use of these ingredients in various product categories, ensuring that manufacturers can continue to create innovative and safe fragrances.
In addition to these changes, IFRA 50 emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication within the fragrance industry. The amendment encourages manufacturers to provide detailed information about the composition and safety of their products, fostering greater trust and confidence among consumers. By understanding and adhering to these new regulations, fragrance companies can ensure that their products meet the highest safety standards while continuing to delight consumers with captivating scents.
An Example - 8th & Ocean Fragrance Oil
8th & Ocean's original soap use rate (IFRA category 9) was 31.75%. When IFRA 50 was issued, the use rate dropped to 3.86% max.
Historically, 8th & Ocean caused no known issues and was perfectly fine in soap. In fact, it was great! There were no formulation changes. The only aspect that changed was IFRA.
Because of the changes, we decided to label everything with less than a 4% IFRA category 9 as not recommended for soap. This message can be seen on the product label and our fragrance calculator.
8th & Ocean has an extensive list of aromatic components, which can be seen on the SDS documentation. Rather than one specific ingredient causing the lower rate, it is a combination of ingredients. Because the new IFRA standards drastically lowered use rates of these ingredients, our labels and documentation must reflect these changes.
Is It Safe for Soap?
According to the new IFRA standards, 8th & Ocean is safe for soap us to 3.86% of the soap oils, and it retains its fragrance quite well at this percentage. (We do not factor in water used in soap to determine the use amount, because soap will inevitably lose water as it cures).
Our customers have been using it at 6% or more for years, and no known reactions have occurred.
Is It Safe For Other Applications?
Yes, depending on the IFRA category. You can read more about IFRA in our blog post Reading IFRA Fragrance Rates and Product Application.
IFRA 50 Concerns
This is my personal analysis of IFRA 50. Others may have different perspectives. This is mine.
IFRA 50 makes no sense! This does not mean Nurture Handmade won't follow the guidelines. We have always strived to be absolutely transparent as a company and supplier. We will always extend what information we have to you, and let you make choices that work for you. With that said, this is what (in my opinion) doesn't make sense.
Soap is a rinse-off product. It sits on your skin for a limited amount of time, and is washed away quickly. On the other hand, lotion stays on the skin and is not typically washed away.
Here is our 8th & Ocean IFRA certificate.
Body lotion is IFRA category 5A: "Body lotion products applied to the body using the hands (palms), primarily leave on (i.e. body lotion)." The allowable use rate is 8.75%.
Soap is Category 9: "Products with body and hand exposure, primarily rinse off (i.e. soap, bath bombs, shampoo)." The allowable use rate is 3.86%.
This makes no sense! My guess is that soap use may be lower because it could potentially come in contact with mucous membranes, but even then it would be washed away promptly.
Do you know why IFRA considers leave-on products as a safer use for fragrance than rinse-off products like soap? I would love to hear your thoughts!
I hope this clarifies why some fragrances we offer are marked as not recommended for soap use. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us.
Note: This article was written on a Sunday morning while I was in my PJ's drinking coffee. I may update it later for easier reading. 😊