What is IFRA?
IFRA stands for the International Fragrance Association, founded in 1973 in Geneva, Switzerland. It is the global authority that represents the fragrance industry and sets standards to ensure that fragrances are used safely.
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Purpose: IFRA develops and publishes the IFRA Standards—a set of rules on how fragrance ingredients can be used in different product categories, including candles and soaps.
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Science-backed: These standards are based on safety assessments from the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), which evaluates fragrance ingredients for human and environmental safety.
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Global reach: While IFRA itself isn’t a regulator, its standards are widely adopted as the benchmark for fragrance safety. Many fragrance suppliers only sell IFRA-compliant oils (including Wickii), making it the default standard for makers.
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Categories: IFRA divides products into categories—for example, Category 12 for candles and Category 9 for soaps and rinse-off products. Each category has specific maximum usage levels for fragrance ingredients.
For candle and soap makers, IFRA is the safety guidebook that helps you know how much fragrance oil can be used without compromising safety or performance.
Why Does IFRA Matter for Candle and Soap Makers?
1. Safety
Fragrance oils contain natural and synthetic compounds, some of which can cause irritation or harm if used incorrectly. IFRA restrictions set safe maximum levels to keep products safe for skin (soaps) and safe for the home (candles).
2. Compliance
Most fragrance suppliers issue an IFRA certificate with each fragrance oil. This tells you the maximum safe usage rate for candles and soaps. Following it ensures your products align with international safety standards.
3. Transparency
Consumers increasingly want reassurance that the products they use are safe. IFRA compliance allows you to confidently state that your soaps and candles are formulated with industry-approved fragrance safety guidelines.
4. Product Development
IFRA limits directly affect formulation. For example, a fragrance may allow a 10% usage in candles but only 2% in soaps. Understanding these limits helps you design products that are safe and effective.
IFRA and Australian Law
In Australia, IFRA compliance isn’t a legal requirement, but its standards complement existing laws:
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AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme): Regulates fragrance and cosmetic chemicals. Soap makers must ensure ingredients are listed and compliant.
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Cosmetics Information Standard (2020): Requires soaps that are classed as cosmetics to have ingredient labels and warnings.
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Australian Consumer Law (ACL): Requires candles and soaps to be safe and correctly labelled—misleading claims or unsafe products breach consumer law.
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Industrial Chemicals Act 2019: Provides the legal framework for chemical regulation under AICIS.
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Labelling and Packaging Standards: Cover warnings, INCI names, weight, and safety information.
Candles vs. Soaps:
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Soaps are regulated as cosmetics and must follow ingredient labelling and AICIS requirements.
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Candles aren’t cosmetics, but fall under product safety obligations—labels must include clear warnings and safe-use instructions.
How Candle and Soap Makers Should Use IFRA in Australia
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Check the IFRA Certificate: Look at Category 12 for candles and Category 9 for soaps.
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Stay Within Limits: Adjust fragrance load based on the safe levels provided.
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Register with AICIS (if required): Especially important for soap makers or if importing fragrance oils.
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Label Transparently: Use INCI names, disclose allergens if required, and include warnings.
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Promote IFRA Compliance: It builds trust with consumers and shows your products are responsibly made.
Summary: IFRA and Australian Law for Candle and Soap Makers
For Australian candle and soap makers, IFRA provides global fragrance safety standards, but it’s not legislation. Instead, compliance with IFRA helps you align with AICIS, the Cosmetics Information Standard, and Australian Consumer Law.
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IFRA = best practice: Safe usage levels for fragrance oils in candles and soaps.
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Australia = legal obligations: Registration, chemical approvals, correct labelling, and consumer safety.
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Candles vs. Soaps: Soaps fall under cosmetic law; candles are regulated mainly under product safety and labelling.
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Why follow both: IFRA compliance shows due diligence, helps protect consumers, and supports your business reputation.
