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When working with fragrance oils, whether for candle making, wax melts, soaps, or cosmetics, it is essential to understand their allergen declarations. These declarations help ensure compliance with safety regulations, protect consumers from potential allergic reactions, and maintain transparency in product labelling. This guide will walk you through how to interpret an allergen declaration for fragrance oil, what the key components mean, and how to use this information to stay compliant and protect your customers.
What Is an Allergen Declaration?
A allergen declaration is a document or label that provides information about the presence of specific allergens within a fragrance oil. These allergens, also known as sensitisers, are components that may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. The declaration is crucial for businesses using fragrance oils in their products, as it ensures proper labeling and regulatory compliance.
In the UK and EU, fragrance allergens are regulated under the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures - EC No 1272/2008). The regulations require certain allergens to be listed if they are present above specified thresholds.
Key Components of an Allergen Declaration
List of Allergens
Allergen declarations typically list specific fragrance allergens that must be disclosed when present at or above regulatory thresholds. The most common allergens include:
Linalool
Limonene
Citral
Geraniol
Eugenol
Coumarin
Farnesol
Benzyl alcohol
Benzyl benzoate
Cinnamal
These allergens are naturally found in essential oils and synthetic fragrance oils and are known to cause sensitivity reactions in some individuals.
Concentration Levels
The declaration may include percentage concentrations of each allergen. This is important because allergens must be listed if their concentration exceeds:
0.001% in leave-on products (e.g., lotions, perfumes)
0.01% in rinse-off products (e.g., soaps, shampoos)
If an oil contains an allergen below these thresholds, it may not be legally required to declare it, but transparency is always recommended.
IFRA Compliance
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) provides guidelines on the safe use of fragrance oils in various applications. Some allergen declarations may include a statement on IFRA compliance, indicating whether the fragrance meets industry safety standards. IFRA certificates outline the maximum allowable concentrations of an oil in different applications, such as candles, diffusers, skincare, or cosmetics.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Reference
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) accompanies all fragrance oils and includes hazard classifications, safety precautions, and first aid measures. While an SDS is more comprehensive, the allergen declaration focuses specifically on the allergenic components.
How to Use an Allergen Declaration for Compliance
Product Labelling
If you are selling products containing fragrance oil, you must check the allergen declaration to determine if any allergens need to be listed on your product labels. In the UK and EU, cosmetic and personal care products must declare allergens if they exceed the regulatory thresholds.
For example:
If an oil contains 0.5% Linalool, it must be declared on the label if used in a leave-on product but may not be required for a rinse-off product.
If an oil contains 0.02% Citral, it must be disclosed for both leave-on and rinse-off products.
CLP Labeling for Candles and Wax Melts
For home fragrance products such as candles and wax melts, CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) Regulations require proper labelling. If an oil contains allergens above the required threshold, they must be included on the product label alongside hazard pictograms and warning statements.
A typical CLP-compliant label for a wax melt might include:
The fragrance oil name
Signal words (e.g., Warning, Danger)
Hazard and precautionary statements
A list of allergens (if applicable)
Manufacturer’s contact details
Customer Safety and Transparency
Being upfront about allergens in oils builds trust with customers, particularly those with allergies or sensitive skin. If you offer custom-scented products, providing full allergen information helps consumers make informed choices and avoid potential reactions.
Common Misconceptions About Allergen Declarations
“All Fragrance Oils Contain Allergens”
Not all oils contain allergens. Some are formulated to be allergen-free, particularly for sensitive skin applications. Checking the allergen declaration before assuming the presence of allergens is always best practice.
“Natural Fragrances Are Safer Than Synthetic Ones”
Many natural essential oils contain high concentrations of allergens, such as Limonene and Citral, whereas some synthetic oils are specifically designed to be hypoallergenic. Natural does not always mean safer.
“Allergen Declarations are the Same as SDS”
While both documents contain safety-related information, an allergen declaration focuses solely on fragrance allergens, whereas an SDS covers broader safety data, including fire hazards, toxicity, and handling precautions.
How to Obtain an Allergen Declaration
Request It from Your Supplier
Reputable fragrance oil suppliers provide allergen declarations upon request. If you source oils for candles, wax melts, or cosmetics, always ask your supplier for this document.
Check the IFRA Statement
Some suppliers include allergen information within the IFRA certificate, listing the maximum safe usage levels and allergenic content.
Review the SDS
Although an SDS does not replace an allergen declaration, it can provide additional safety insights, including whether an oil has skin sensitisation risks.
Conclusion
Understanding how to read a fragrance oil allergen declaration is crucial for anyone working with scented products. By reviewing the list of allergens, concentration levels, and regulatory thresholds, you can ensure proper labelling, comply with UK and EU laws, and keep your customers safe.
Whether you are a candle maker, soap artisan, or cosmetic formulator, taking the time to analyse allergen declarations will help you create high-quality, compliant, and consumer-friendly products. Always source your fragrance oils from reputable suppliers who provide full allergen disclosure, and use this information to enhance your product labelling and safety practices.
By prioritising transparency and safety, you can build trust with your customers and ensure long-term success in the fragrance industry.
House of Scent : Providing Safe, High-Quality Fragrance Oils with Full Allergen Declarations
At House of Scent, we understand the importance of transparency, safety, and compliance when it comes to fragrance oils. Whether you're crafting candles, wax melts, soaps, cosmetics, or other scented products, knowing exactly what is in your oil is crucial. That’s why we provide detailed allergen declarations for all our oils, ensuring that you have the information needed to stay compliant and keep your customers safe.
Why Allergen Declarations Matter to Us
The fragrance industry is filled with complexities, especially when it comes to regulations like EU Cosmetic Regulations (EC No 1223/2009) and CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) Regulations. These rules exist to protect both businesses and consumers from potential allergens that may cause irritation or allergic reactions. At House of Scent, we recognise that having access to this information is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s also about providing peace of mind for our customers.
By offering allergen declarations with every oil, we make it easier for makers and business owners to create safe, compliant products. Whether you need this information for cosmetic formulations, wax melts, candles, or diffusers, our clear and comprehensive documentation ensures you can label your products correctly and with confidence.
Premium Oils, Maximum Transparency
Our mission at House of Scent is to provide high-quality, undiluted oils that are both luxurious and safe to use. Every fragrance in our collection is carefully formulated to meet industry standards, with full documentation available to help you make informed decisions.
When you purchase a fragrance oil from us, you receive:
A full allergen declaration, listing any potential allergens present in the oil.
CLP-compliant safety information, helping you create legally labeled products.
IFRA certificates, outlining safe usage levels for different applications.
SDS (Safety Data Sheets), providing further safety guidance for handling and usage.
We believe in full transparency, so you’ll always know exactly what’s in the oils you’re using.
Supporting Small Businesses and Creators
As a supplier, we don’t just sell oils - we support businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a hobbyist, a small business owner, or an established brand, having accurate allergen information allows you to build trust with your customers. When you clearly disclose allergens on your labels, customers with sensitive skin or allergies can make informed choices, increasing their confidence in your products.
At House of Scent, we are committed to helping you grow your business by providing reliable, high-quality oils backed by the documentation you need to succeed.
Choose House of Scent for Safe, High-Quality Fragrance Oils
If you're looking for premium fragrance oils with full allergen declarations, House of Scent is your trusted supplier. We prioritise safety, compliance, and transparency so you can focus on creating beautiful, high-quality products. Explore our fragrance collection today and experience the House of Scent difference.
