Fragrance Allergens

Fragrance allergens are specific fragrance substances that have been identified as common causes of skin sensitization (allergic contact dermatitis) in consumers. Unlike most cosmetic ingredients, fragrance allergens must be individually declared by their INCI name on the product label — they cannot be hidden under the generic term "Parfum" or "Fragrance."

The original EU requirement (in place since 2005) mandated individual declaration of 26 fragrance allergens when present above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products. In 2023, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2023/1545, expanding the list to over 80 fragrance allergens based on the SCCS Opinion on Fragrance Allergens in Cosmetic Products (SCCS/1459/11). The expanded requirements apply from July 2026 for new products and July 2028 for existing products.

In the US, fragrance ingredients are not currently required to be individually declared — they are listed under the collective term "Fragrance." However, MoCRA directs the FDA to issue rules for fragrance allergen disclosure on cosmetic labels, and FDA rulemaking is underway. Industry expects US fragrance allergen labeling requirements to take effect by 2027-2028.

Common fragrance allergens that frequently appear in declarations include linalool, limonene, citronellol, geraniol, hexyl cinnamal, and coumarin. These substances are naturally present in many essential oils and botanical extracts, meaning even "naturally fragranced" products may require allergen declarations.