IFRA Allergen Testing in Cosmetics by Headspace GC-MS
At FARE Labs Pvt. Ltd., we offer advanced analytical testing for IFRA-regulated allergens in cosmetics and personal care products using Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) – a globally recognized method for detecting volatile fragrance allergens with high precision. Analysing IFRA (International Fragrance Association) allergens by Headspace GC-MS is a common method in the fragrance and cosmetics industry to ensure compliance with safety standards and labelling requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what this involves and how it’s done
What We Analyze
IFRA allergens are a list of fragrance ingredients known to potentially cause allergic reactions. These are regulated under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, which requires labelling if certain ingredients exceeding specific thresholds. Currently 26 allergens are regulated, though recent updates are expanding this list. A list of the IFRA Cosmetics Product Categories (as per IFRA 49th Amendment – current standard as of 2024-2025) is divided into two categories namely: leave-on products and rinse-off products.
Our Headspace GC-MS method enables the accurate detection and quantification of key IFRA fragrance allergens, including but not limited to: Amyl cinnamal, Amylcinnamyl alcohol, Anise alcohol, Benzyl alcohol, Benzyl benzoate, Benzyl cinnamate, Benzyl salicylate, Cinnamal, Cinnamyl alcohol, Citral, Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Hexyl cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (Lyral), Isoeugenol, Butylphenyl methylpropional (Lilial), Limonene, Linalool, Methyl 2-octynoate (Methyl heptine carbonate), Evernia prunastri extract (Oak moss extract), Evernia furfuracea extract (Tree moss extract), and Alpha-isomethyl ionone.
These allergens are regulated under the EU Cosmetics Regulation which mandate labelling when present above specific thresholds (0.001% in leave-on, 0.01% in rinse-off products).
Scope of Product Categories
FARE Labs is dedicated to providing precise and reliable testing services as per the regulatory compliance. Our testing covers a wide range of cosmetic categories, including:
Leave-on products: Face creams, body lotions, deodorants, perfumes, lip balms, baby lotions, hair serums.
Rinse-off products: Shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, soaps, bath products.
Special care: Oral care products, eye creams, nail care, and baby care items.
Regulatory Compliance & Labelling Support
We ensure full compliance with:
- EU Cosmetic Regulation
- IFRA Guidelines
- BIS Standards
- Labelling requirements under ingredient disclosure norms.
Our detailed reports provide quantitative analysis (in ppm or %), helping you meet safety, labelling, and export requirements efficiently.