List of the 26 Fragrance Allergens
Regulated Fragrance Allergens in the EU – The Official List of 26
Fragrance allergens are a well-defined group of aromatic substances recognized for their potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. Among over 2,500 materials used to scent cosmetics, cleaning agents, and personal care products, 26 specific compounds have been officially regulated by the European Union. These allergens must be labeled on product packaging once they exceed certain concentration thresholds. Their presence, while often essential to the olfactory character of a fragrance, is also subject to increasing scrutiny by regulatory bodies and dermatological studies.
What Are the 26 Regulated Fragrance Allergens?
The list of 26 fragrance allergens was first published in 1999 by the European Commission following safety assessments conducted by the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products (SCCNFP)—now the SCCS. The goal was to identify materials with the highest prevalence of allergic sensitization in patch test data and clinical practice.
Under Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, allergen labeling is mandatory when these substances are present at levels above:
0.001% in leave-on products (e.g., creams, lotions, makeup)
0.01% in rinse-off products (e.g., shampoos, soaps, shower gels)
Labeling is required using the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name on the product’s ingredients list.
Regulatory Framework and Recent Changes
In addition to the 26 allergens, the European cosmetic regulation maintains an extensive Annex II, listing over 1,300 substances prohibited in cosmetic formulations. A major update occurred in August 2019, when three substances with known allergenic potential were added to this banned list:
Lyral (Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde)
Atranol
Chloroatranol
These materials are no longer permitted in new products placed on the EU market as of August 23, 2021. Products already distributed before that date were allowed to remain on sale until the end of the transition period.
Impact on Formulation and Consumer Transparency
Mandatory allergen disclosure has significantly affected fragrance formulation and product compliance across the EU. Perfumers and cosmetic chemists often reformulate to keep allergen levels below thresholds or replace restricted substances entirely.
For consumers, allergen labeling improves transparency, allowing individuals with known sensitivities to make informed choices and reduce exposure to skin sensitizers. Dermatologists widely use this labeling system to support patch testing protocols and patient education.
The 26 Regulated Fragrance Allergens – INCI, CAS, and Synonyms
Amyl cinnamal – CAS 122-40-7 – α-Amylcinnamaldehyde
Benzyl alcohol – CAS 100-51-6 – Phenylmethanol
Cinnamyl alcohol – CAS 104-54-1 – 3-Phenyl-2-propen-1-ol
Citral – CAS 5392-40-5 – Geranial, Neral
Eugenol – CAS 97-53-0 – 4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol
Hydroxycitronellal – CAS 107-75-5 – 7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal
Isoeugenol – CAS 97-54-1 – 2-Methoxy-4-propenylphenol
Amylcinnamyl alcohol – CAS 101-85-9 –α-Amylcinnamyl alcohol
Benzyl salicylate – CAS 118-58-1 – Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, phenylmethyl ester
Cinnamal – CAS 104-55-2 – Cinnamaldehyde
Coumarin – CAS 91-64-5 – 1-Benzopyran-2-one
Geraniol – CAS 106-24-1 – 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol
Lyral – CAS 31906-04-4 – Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde
Anisyl alcohol – CAS 105-13-5 – p-Methoxybenzyl alcohol
Benzyl cinnamate – CAS 103-41-3 – Benzoic acid, phenylmethyl ester
Farnesol – CAS 4602-84-0 – 3,7,11-Trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-ol
Lilial– CAS 80-54-6 – Butylphenyl methylpropional
Linalool – CAS 78-70-6 – 3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol
Benzyl benzoate – CAS 120-51-4 – Benzoic acid, phenylmethyl ester
Citronellol – CAS 106-22-9 – 3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol
Hexyl cinnamal – CAS 101-86-0 – 2-Phenylmethylideneoctanal
Limonene – CAS 5989-27-5 – d-Limonene, Dipentene
Methyl 2-octynoate – CAS 111-12-6 – Methyl caprylate-2-yne
Evernia prunastri extract (Oakmoss extract) – CAS 90028-68-5
Evernia furfuracea extract (Treemoss extract) – CAS 90028-67-4
Regulatory References
Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 – Annex III and II
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), 2012
ECHA – European Chemicals Agency
IFRA Standards Documentation
Tentamus Group – Fragrance Allergen Labeling Guidelines
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash