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Fragrance (parfum)

Fragrance (parfum) suppliers and sourcing guide

On a cosmetic label, fragrance (parfum in INCI) covers a blend of aroma chemicals, essential oils and other natural extracts, plus solvents and fixatives, built to a named scent. Brands buy finished fragrance oils from fragrance houses or distributors, specified by name and code, and add them at low percentages. The formula is usually confidential, so the supplier provides documents instead: a safety data sheet, a conformity certificate against the IFRA Standards and a declaration of allergens and other regulated components.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Parfum · Perfume · Fragrance oil · Fragrance compound
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of fragrance (parfum)

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Fragrance compound (synthetic and mixed)

    A blend of aroma chemicals with or without naturals; the most common form, with the widest range of scents.

  • Natural fragrance

    A blend made only from essential oils, absolutes and other natural materials, often requested for natural-positioned products; the supplier should define which standard it meets.

  • Essential oil blends

    Mixtures of essential oils sold as fragrance; each oil's allergens still need to be declared by the supplier.

  • Pre-solubilized fragrance

    Fragrance blended with a solubilizer so it disperses clearly in water-based products; the solubilizer counts toward the formula.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Odor
Comparison against the approved standard sample by a trained evaluator; the main acceptance test.
Specific gravity and refractive index
Physical constants checked against the fragrance's specification to catch formula or dilution errors.
GC profile
Gas chromatographic fingerprint compared with the reference, offered by some suppliers or run by the buyer.
Flash point
Closed-cup flash point, needed for shipping, storage and fire classification.
Color and appearance
Visual check against the standard; color can drift with age and naturals content.
Compliance documents
IFRA conformity certificate for the product category and use level, allergen declaration and SDS, kept current for each fragrance code.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store fragrance oils in full, tightly closed aluminum, lined steel or amber glass containers, in a cool, dark place, and move part-used stock into smaller containers or under nitrogen to cut oxidation. Most are flammable or combustible, so follow the SDS for storage and handling. Shelf life is set by the supplier, often with a retest of odor and physical constants before use past it.

Lots and expiry dates

Fragrances with many naturals vary more from lot to lot, so approve each lot against the standard sample and keep retained samples of both. Record the fragrance code, lot and IFRA certificate version, and recheck use levels when the supplier issues an updated certificate.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 701.3(a) requires cosmetic labels to declare ingredients in descending order of predominance, except that fragrance may be listed as fragrance.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's MoCRA page states that MoCRA requires FDA to establish regulations for fragrance allergen labeling requirements.

    Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists fragrance with the common names fragrance, parfum and perfume, as a non-medicinal ingredient for the purpose of fragrance, either artificial or natural.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Fragrance (parfum) suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking fragrance (parfum) suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of fragrance (parfum) can brands buy?

Common forms include fragrance compound (synthetic and mixed), natural fragrance, essential oil blends and pre-solubilized fragrance. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for fragrance (parfum) include?

Expect odor, specific gravity and refractive index, gC profile, flash point, color and appearance and compliance documents, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should fragrance (parfum) be stored?

Store fragrance oils in full, tightly closed aluminum, lined steel or amber glass containers, in a cool, dark place, and move part-used stock into smaller containers or under nitrogen to cut oxidation. Most are flammable or combustible, so follow the SDS for storage and handling. Shelf life is set by the supplier, often with a retest of odor and physical constants before use past it.

What is the regulatory status of fragrance (parfum)?

21 CFR 701.3(a) requires cosmetic labels to declare ingredients in descending order of predominance, except that fragrance may be listed as fragrance. FDA's MoCRA page states that MoCRA requires FDA to establish regulations for fragrance allergen labeling requirements. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists fragrance with the common names fragrance, parfum and perfume, as a non-medicinal ingredient for the purpose of fragrance, either artificial or natural.

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