IFRA for Beginners: How We Keep Your Favorite Scents Safe to Use

If you’ve ever scrolled a product page and seen the phrase “IFRA certificate” or “IFRA category” and thought, I have no idea what that means, but okay… then this guide is for you.

You don’t need to be a chemist or a professional formulator to understand the basics. At its core, IFRA is simply about using fragrance in a way that’s safe and enjoyable, whether you’re:

• burning a candle,
• diffusing essential oils,
• blending your own body butter, or
• pouring small-batch soaps for your friends or customers.

Let’s keep it light, practical, and focused on what you actually need to know.

What Is IFRA?

IFRA stands for the International Fragrance Association.

They create global standards to help make sure fragrances are used safely in all kinds of products like candles, soaps, lotions, perfumes, cleaners, and more.

In plain language:

IFRA = safety guidelines for how much fragrance can be used in different types of products and on different parts of the body.

Their work takes into account things like:

• how sensitive certain skin areas are (like lips or underarms),
• whether a product is rinsed off quickly or stays on all day, and
• whether the fragrance is being inhaled, applied to skin, or just scenting the air

Why Are There “Categories”?

If you pour a candle, make a perfume, and whip up a body lotion, you’re not using fragrance in the same way each time.

• A candle mostly scents the air.
• A perfume goes on pulse points and tends to be quite concentrated.
• A body lotion may cover a large area of skin and stay on for hours.

From a safety standpoint, those are three very different situations. That’s where IFRA categories come in.

For each category, IFRA sets a maximum level of fragrance that’s considered safe for that type of use. If a product spans multiple uses, apply the most restrictive category. 

Here’s a quick reference to understand what category your product falls into:

How to Use IFRA When You’re Making Something (Quick Guide)

A simple, no-stress way to stay within safe fragrance limits.

1. Start by figuring out what you’re making. Use the category chart above to match your product to the correct IFRA category. If you’re unsure between two categories, choose the one that’s more conservative.
   
   
2. Grab the IFRA Certificate for your oil. Every essential oil, fragrance oil, and natural fragrance we sell has an IFRA Certificate available (and if it’s not on the page yet, we can send it to you). This document lists the maximum safe usage level for each type of product.
3. Set your fragrance percentage. Once you know your category, compare your chosen usage rate with the maximum allowed. You can always use less than the max (many recipes perform better at lower levels– just don’t go over).
   
   
4. Keep special notes in mind. Some categories have extra considerations (like phototoxicity for certain skin-exposed products). Home fragrance (Category 12) usually avoids these concerns since it doesn’t touch the skin.
   
   
5. Save your notes and stay consistent. Hold onto your IFRA Certificates and your formulation notes. If a product could fall into more than one category (like a body spray that might be used under the arm), always follow the most restrictive category.

A Quick Note About Pets

We get this question a lot, so it’s worth addressing briefly:

IFRA standards focus on human safety, not pet safety. Pet physiology varies widely, and no fragrance brand can responsibly give universal guidance.

If you have concerns about a specific oil: Your veterinarian is your best resource. They can review the IFRA Certificate and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for any product made by The Essential Oil Company. 

General good practices when crafting around pets:

• Keep your workspace ventilated
• Store oils safely away from pets
• Don’t reuse fragrance containers for food
• Wipe spills immediately

So… What Does an IFRA Certificate Actually Tell Me?

Every essential oil, fragrance oil, or natural fragrance we sell can come with an IFRA certificate.

This document lists:

• Each IFRA product category.
• The maximum amount of that particular oil that can be used in each category.

A few important points:

• These numbers are maximums, not suggestions.
• Your recipe (or base wax/emulsifier) might require a much lower amount for best performance. We always recommend testing or inquiring if you need support! 
• Staying at or below those maximums keeps your product compliant with IFRA’s safety guidelines.

For everyday shoppers and small makers, you don’t usually need to do a ton of math; you mostly just need to know:

“Is this oil appropriate for the type of product I want to make, and am I staying within safe usage levels?”

How We Use IFRA at The Essential Oil Company

We work with IFRA information behind the scenes so that you don’t have to become a safety officer to enjoy your oils.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• We review IFRA data for each essential oil and fragrance we offer.

• We use internal resources to quickly identify whether each oil is ideal for candles, bath and body products, perfumes, or home fragrance. We’re also in the process of updating our site so all IFRA documents appear directly in the regulatory section of every product page. If one isn’t visible yet, don’t worry! We have it ready on our end, just reach out! 

If you’re just buying oils to diffuse at home or make a couple of simple DIY gifts, it can be reassuring to know that:

The IFRA guidelines are being respected in the background, and you have clear, honest information up front.

For Small Artisans & Growing Brands

If you’re:

• selling at markets,
• starting an online shop, or
• slowly turning your hobby into a business…

you’ll eventually want to get more comfortable with reading IFRA certificates directly, especially if you’re formulating multiple product types with the same scent (like a candle, a soap, and a body butter in the same fragrance).

Think of this article as a friendly overview. Our team is developing a more detailed, maker-focused guide that walks through:

• category-by-category examples,
• simple percentage calculations, and
• tips for blending fragrances while still staying within IFRA limits.

A Few Reassuring Takeaways

• IFRA exists to protect you. It’s about safe enjoyment, not taking the fun out of fragrance.
  
  
• Different products have different limits because we use them in different ways on the body and in the home.
  
  
• Higher or lower doesn’t mean “better.” A body lotion and a candle using the same scent will naturally have different safe ranges.
  
  
• You’re not expected to know everything. As your supplier, it’s our job to provide accurate information and support you at whatever level you’re at whether that is a curious consumer, weekend maker, or growing artisan brand.

Have Questions About Using Our Oils Safely?

Curious which scents are best suited for candles vs. soap vs. perfume-style projects? Not sure where your idea fits in the category picture?

We’re always happy to help clarify how IFRA applies to our oils and your specific project. Just ask! 

Fragrance should feel inspiring, not intimidating, and we’re here to help you keep it that way. 💛