What is the Role of Regulation in Controlling Fragrance Chemicals?
Regulatory agencies play a crucial role in managing the risks associated with fragrance chemicals. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the safety of cosmetics, including fragrances, but does not require pre-market approval. In contrast, the European Union (EU) has stricter regulations under the REACH Regulation, which requires safety assessments and authorizations for certain chemicals. Despite these regulations, the disclosure of fragrance ingredients remains limited, often protected as "trade secrets," which poses challenges for consumers and researchers in assessing safety.
