Fragrance is a term used to describe a combination of chemicals that give a product its distinct scent. Fragrance ingredients may be derived from petroleum or natural raw materials. Companies that manufacture perfume or cologne purchase fragrance mixtures from fragrance houses to develop their own proprietary blends. Typically, fragrance is made up of dozens of ingredients, but companies are not required to disclose the individual fragrance elements as the fragrance “blend” is considered proprietary information. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the self-regulating global representative body of the fragrance industry, meaning they set their own safety standards and regulations. While most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, some are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities.
Here are some key points about fragrance:
Positive:
- Fragrances are substances possessing strong-smelling organic compounds that have characteristic, pleasant odors.
- Fragrances can enhance the flavor or fragrance in a wide range of consumer products.
Negative:
- Most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, and some are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities.
- Fragrance suppliers have long enjoyed federal trade secret protections that allow them to hide the ingredients that make beauty and personal care products smell good.
Ingredients or materials:
- Fragrance ingredients may be derived from petroleum or natural raw materials.
- Companies that manufacture perfume or cologne purchase fragrance mixtures from fragrance houses to develop their own proprietary blends.
- The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has a comprehensive list of over 3000 ingredients used as fragrance compounds.
