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
Reporting Problems and Complaints:
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
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Changes last made on: Thu Oct 23 18:54:32 1997