About IFRA

What is IFRA?

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the global voice of the fragrance industry. Since its creation in 1973, IFRA has brought together global fragrance houses companies, national associations, and regional fragrance ingredient manufacturers or compounders committed to ensuring the safe use of fragrance ingredients, grounded in science and responsibility. IFRA represents fragrance producers, works with regulators and international partners, and supports sustainability and innovation across the value chain.

Created by the fragrance industry for the fragrance industry

In the early 1970s, leading fragrance houses recognized the growing scientific and public interest in fragrance safety. Rather than wait for external regulation, they took the initiative to establish a collaborative, self-regulatory platform. IFRA was founded to apply consistent safety principles to fragrance ingredients, balancing consumer enjoyment, innovation, and public trust. This voluntary approach continues to guide the industry today.

How IFRA works

Science at the core
IFRA operates through a science-based model of risk assessment. The IFRA Standards, developed in partnership with independent scientific experts, define safe use levels and applications for fragrance ingredients across a wide variety of consumer products.

Global representation
IFRA serves as a unified global platform, representing fragrance companies of all sizes – multinational, regional, and local – alongside national and regional associations. This global presence enables IFRA to engage with regulators, contribute to international policy discussions, and represent the fragrance sector in multilateral forums.

Sustainability and responsibility
Beyond safety, IFRA helps drive sustainability across the fragrance supply chain. Through initiatives like the IFRA-IOFI Sustainability Charter, IFRA supports ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and responsible business practices that benefit communities and preserve natural resources.

Self-regulation and accountability
IFRA is not a regulatory authority and does not impose legal obligations. Instead, it operates through a voluntary system that combines scientific expertise, collective responsibility, and industry commitment to ensure the safe and responsible use of fragrances worldwide.

Find out about the IFRA Standards

The IFRA Standards sets rules for the use a range of fragrance materials based on scientific assessment. These rules include:

Prohibition: a ban on the use of a material

Restriction: rules on the maximum quantity to be used and/or the products in which certain materials can be use

Specification: other conditions on the type of material (such as purity criteria).

In all cases the final responsibility for the safe use of any fragrance material put on the market rests with the company supplying the material.

IFRA Standards

Fragrance safety, by design

The IFRA Standards and Code of Practice form the foundation of the fragrance industry’s commitment to safe use. These Standards apply across global markets and influence how fragrances are formulated and used in millions of products.

Where fragrance thrives

Today, IFRA stands as a trusted partner for industry, regulators, and stakeholders worldwide. Its work reflects a unique balance of science, stewardship, and collaboration — supporting the safe, creative, and sustainable use of fragrances for generations to come.

“Adherence to the IFRA Standards is essential to perfumers’ ongoing ability to create and deliver safe fragrances for consumers.”

Calice Becker, Master Perfumer and ISPC Co-President

A sortable and searchable database of all the IFRA Standards.

All fragrance ingredients disclosed publicly