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EU Fragrance Allergens

There are 26 allergens commonly found in fragrances and essential oils that require labelling on Cosmetics, Toiletries & Detergents marketed in Europe. The requirement for labelling depends on the level of the fragrance allergen's found:

Many retailers have restrictions on the number of fragrance allergens that can appear on the label, for practical reasons of available space and for applications where the presence of fragrance allergens is undesirable.

Legislation help

It can be difficult to determine and monitor the levels of EU Fragrance Allergens, particularly due to the potential multiple occurrences of them in different natural essential oils and the variability of the levels.

History of Fragrance Allergen Legislation

Dermatology clinics across Europe see many patients every year with skin conditions. As part of the assesment process, most Dermatologists routinely test patients for fragrance allergy. A fragrance ingredient testing kit is used which contain known sensitisers.

In Europe, allergy to fragrances are second only to allergies to nickle. It is estimated that around 1% of the population is allegic to fragrances. Dermatologists wanted to see legislation put in place to help protect sensitive individuals and making the information available on the product packaging was thought to be the best way to do this.

The ingredients in the fragrance testing kit formed the basis of the 26 allergens labelling legislation. The Cosmetics Directive was adapted (modified) to include the new labelling requirements.

Fragrance Allergen Debate

There is still debate about this legislation. It is argued by the fragrance industry that certain ingredients, e.g. limonene, are not allergens at all (just the oxidation products). There is ongoing research in this area, with Prof. Axel Schnuch a key researcher.

Certainly, it is difficult for many consumers to read and understand product labels with their confusing chemical names. Also, there are additional allergens present in fragrances and essential oils which do not require labelling under the cosmetics directive. In any case, the legislation is in place and must be complied with.

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