How fragrance is regulated (it’s not)

The federal government should protect us from toxic chemicals, like some of those found in fragrance. The FDA regulates personal care products, including the fragrance they contain.

But the chemicals in fragrance mixtures aren’t required to go through FDA review before being put into use. Instead, the body that sets standards for fragrance is an industry trade group. Some fragrance allergens will have to be labeled on cosmetics in the future, but those regulations will not be in place for a couple of years.