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Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and IFRA Certificates are two of the most important documents in the fragrance industry—yet they’re also the most misunderstood. This guide explains how to read them, what they do and do not mean, and how they apply to your finished products. All examples use the documentation from our fragrance oil SUNKISS, which includes a full SDS and IFRA 51 Certificate.
Understanding SDS Documentation
An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is a globally standardized document used to communicate hazards for a pure, undiluted material. It is required for storage, transport, handling, and emergency response—not for evaluating the safety of your finished product.
Our SDS follow OSHA Hazard Communication Standards, meaning first responders can quickly understand exactly how to handle the raw material if a spill, fire, or accident occurs. SDS hazard statements are concentration-based, and even water or citrus oils can trigger warnings at high purity levels.
Why Our SDS Documents Look More Detailed
We use full mixture analysis. This means every raw material in a fragrance—such as mandarin essential oil—is broken down into all of its naturally occurring chemical constituents. Many companies do not do this; instead, they only list broad materials or use high solvent loads that dilute constituents below hazard thresholds.
Our approach is intentionally transparent. It may make the SDS look more technical, but it provides a more complete and accurate representation of the materials.
Example: How to Read the SUNKISS SDS
Here is the SDS for SUNKISS:
Section 2: Hazard Identification
Section 2 contains short hazard codes such as:
- H226 – Flammable liquid and vapor
- H304 – May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
- H315 – Causes skin irritation
- H317 – May cause an allergic skin reaction
- H400 – Very toxic to aquatic life
These reflect the pure oil only. They do not describe the behavior or safety of a finished candle, perfume, soap, or lotion.
Section 3: Composition/Ingredients
For SUNKISS, all the ingredients listed are naturally occurring chemical components of citrus essential oils. Nothing synthetic. Nothing added. This is normal for plant-based oils.
Safe Handling Protocols for Fragrance Oils
Pure fragrance oils are concentrated materials. Professionals follow these protocols:
- Wear gloves when handling undiluted oils.
- Avoid direct skin contact to prevent temporary irritation.
- Use proper ventilation when evaluating or blending.
- Store tightly sealed, away from heat and sunlight.
- Keep away from open flames due to potential low flashpoints.
- Clean spills immediately with soap and water.
- Use compatible containers (glass, aluminum, HDPE).
These practices align with standard protocol in professional fragrance labs and manufacturing facilities.
Understanding IFRA Certificates
An IFRA Certificate shows the maximum safe usage levels for a fragrance across 12 product categories (perfume, lotion, shampoo, laundry, candles, etc.). It is based on scientific safety assessments by IFRA and RIFM research.
Here is the IFRA 51 Certificate for SUNKISS:
Download the SUNKISS IFRA Certificate
What an IFRA Certificate Tells You
- The maximum allowable dosage for each product category.
- Restrictions based on allergens, sensitizers, or phototoxic substances.
- Whether a fragrance is safe for leave-on products, rinse-off products, or non-skin products.
What an IFRA Certificate Does NOT Tell You
- How strong the fragrance will smell.
- The best dosage for performance.
- A recommendation of how much to use.
IFRA limits are about exposure. Performance is a separate consideration.
How IFRA Categories Work
IFRA Categories range from 1 (lip products) to 12 (candles & non-skin products). When a product spans multiple uses, you must use the most restrictive category.
We include IFRA documentation on every product page, and additional documents can be requested at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an SDS tell me how much fragrance to use?
No. SDS documents are for handling the pure oil. Usage limits come from IFRA.
Why do natural oils still show hazard codes?
Because natural materials contain naturally occurring allergens and sensitizers. These appear on SDS documents even for ISO 9235 plant-based oils.
Is my finished product hazardous if the SDS shows warnings?
No. Finished-product safety is based on dosage, exposure, and product category—not raw material hazards.
Where do I get usage limits?
Download the IFRA Certificate on any fragrance oil page or request documents here.
Do I need to submit my formula to IFRA?
No. IFRA guidelines are self-managed. You must ensure your finished product meets IFRA limits.
In Summary
SDS and IFRA documents serve different but complementary purposes. SDS documentation covers safe handling of pure materials; IFRA documentation defines safe usage levels in finished products. When read together, they provide a clear, complete picture of fragrance safety.
