Fragrance allergens are compounds used in cosmetics, personal care and detergent products that may trigger allergic reactions. These substances are not only added for scent, but may also serve as masking agents or support other formulation functions. Testing ensures these allergens are accurately identified and labeled to protect consumers and meet regulatory requirements.
Fragrance allergens in cosmetics, personal and household care products can cause allergic reactions. To protect consumers and ensure transparency, many regions now require the declaration of specific fragrance compounds on product labels.
In the EU, Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 expands the list of declarable fragrance allergens to over 80. New cosmetic products must comply by July 31, 2026, while existing products on the market have until July 31, 2028, to meet the updated labeling requirements. Canada and Asia-Pacific markets are introducing similar rules, and the US is expected to align under MoCRA 2022.
We provide robust fragrance allergen testing and label review services to help you meet these evolving global regulations and build consumer trust.
Discover the benefits of our fragrance allergen testing services
- Ensure regulatory and customer-specific compliance
We help you navigate current and upcoming rules across the EU, Canada, the US and Asia-Pacific, including retailer-specific allergen requirements.
- Test both raw materials and finished goods
Avoid issues before production and verify compliance for the final product before it reaches shelves.
- Support for wider product categories
Fragrance allergens aren’t limited to cosmetics – we support testing across air fresheners, pet sprays, scented candles, bin liners and more.
- Account for degradation over time
We help you detect allergenic compounds formed through degradation or hydrolysis during product storage.
- Use results in product documentation
Our data can support labeling updates and help create accurate Safety Data Sheets.
Global expertise in fragrance allergen testing
As the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, we combine deep regulatory knowledge with advanced analytical technology to deliver accurate, compliant results. Our testing is powered by Gas Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) systems capable of detecting even trace levels of all 81 EU-listed fragrance allergens.
With our global network and decades of experience in consumer goods testing, we support you with integrated services – from allergen detection and label review to consulting on region-specific requirements and custom retailer standards.
FAQs
Major frameworks include:
- EU: Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 – 81 allergens must be declared
- Canada: Phased labeling rollout by 2028 aligned with EU Annex III
- USA: MoCRA 2022 – pending rulemaking expected to mirror EU thresholds
- China: Requires labeling of allergens above 0.001% (leave-on) or 0.01% (rinse-off), and mandates a full safety assessment for the 24 EU-listed allergens if present in children’s cosmetics
- Taiwan (China): Similar labeling thresholds to China, effective from 2025
- Japan and South Korea: Follow voluntary or precautionary approaches
We use GC-MS/MS to provide high-sensitivity, high-accuracy analysis of fragrance allergens and can detect even trace levels of all 81 EU-listed fragrance allergens.
Testing is relevant for cosmetics, personal care products, detergents, household goods, air fresheners, scented candles, pet sprays and more.
- New products: by July 31, 2026
- Existing products: by July 31, 2028
Yes. China and Taiwan (China) mandate labeling based on EU-style thresholds, especially for children’s cosmetics. Japan encourages voluntary labeling, while South Korea and ASEAN are monitoring developments. New Zealand law mandates the labeling of 26 specific fragrance allergens when they are present above specified concentration thresholds in cosmetic products.
Yes. Other common allergens include natural rubber (latex), preservatives (e.g. formaldehyde), dyes (e.g. PPD) and metals (e.g. nickel, chromium).
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