Fragrance sits in a regulatory gray zone that surprises many founders.
In the U.S., fragrance is regulated as a cosmetic:
- No pre-market approval
- Formulas treated as trade secrets
- Safety and labeling enforced after the fact
But the real gatekeeper isn’t the FDA, it’s IFRA.
IFRA (International Fragrance Association) sets global safety standards covering:
- Ingredient usage limits
- Allergen thresholds
- Phototoxicity and sensitization risks
- Where materials can legally be used
If you’re not IFRA-compliant, serious manufacturers and retailers simply won’t work with you.
Many brands formulate to EU standards first because they’re stricter and easier to scale globally. This isn’t about over-regulating, it’s about protecting the brand long-term.
🎧 Want to understand what compliance really looks like behind the scenes?
