Candle Fragrance Safety Made Simple: IFRA, Allergens & How to Read the Documents

Amazing scent and professional safety can - and should - coexist. Whether you sell at markets or wholesale, understanding IFRA limits, allergen disclosures, and SDS sheets protects your customers and your brand. Here’s the practical version without legal jargon.

1. Know What Each Document Actually Does

The IFRA Certificate sets maximum usage levels for a fragrance by product category (candles, melts, sprays, diffusers, etc.). The SDS (Safety Data Sheet) explains handling, storage, and hazards. Allergen info may be listed separately or within these documents, depending on the supplier and region.

How to Use Them:
For candles, look up Category 12 on the IFRA certificate (or the supplier’s mapping table). That number - say 10% - is the maximum you should ever use for that category. It’s not a target; it’s a ceiling.

✅ Tip: Keep a digital folder per scent with IFRA, SDS, and allergen info. If you ever change supplier lots, save the new version with the lot number.

2. Match Safety to Product Type (Candles vs. Melts vs. Sprays)

A fragrance that’s fine at 8–10% in candles might have a much lower limit for room sprays or reed diffusers. That’s why you must check the category each time you create a new product type.

How to Stay Aligned:
Before launching melts or sprays in your best-selling scents, verify their IFRA category limits and reformulate if needed.

✅ Tip: Build a simple sheet listing each scent and its max % for Candles, Melts, Sprays, Diffusers. Decisions become easy.

3. Labeling Basics (High Level, No Legal Advice)

In the EU, CLP rules may require hazard pictograms and statements, depending on the fragrance. In the US, include clear warning text, manufacturer info, and burn instructions. Keep labels consistent across SKUs and seasons.

How to Execute:
Create a label checklist covering required statements, safety icons, and batch codes. Apply it every time you release a new scent or vessel.

✅ Tip: Add practical care lines - “Trim to 3–5 mm,” “Max 4 hours per burn,” “Stop with 10–12 mm remaining.” Clear guidance reduces complaints and risk.

4. Safe Handling in the Studio

Wear gloves and eye protection when working with concentrates, store FOs sealed and away from heat, and log batch and lot numbers. If an issue arises, you can trace and isolate quickly.

Final Thoughts:
Safety is a workflow, not a hurdle. Once your documents and labels are organized, creating new products becomes faster - and more professional.

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Happy candle making!