Do fragrances need to be FDA-approved?

Author: Lloyd Greenholt  |  Last update: Saturday, January 3, 2026

Fragrance ingredients in cosmetics must meet the same requirement for safety as other cosmetic ingredients. The law does not require FDA approval before they go on the market, but they must be safe for consumers when they are used according to labeled directions, or as people customarily use them.

Do I need a license to sell fragrances?

If you sell scents in the USA, you will need to follow the FDA regulations for cosmetics, including conforming to the labeling requirements. You may also have state regulations, such as the California Safe Cosmetics Program.

What products do not need FDA approval?

The ingredients (except certain colors) and labeling of cosmetics, such as many perfumes, makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, hair dyes, face and body cleansers, and shaving preparations do not require FDA approval.

Do I need FDA approval to sell essential oils?

Because the FDA does not regulate essential oils, there is no such thing as a list of FDA-approved essential oils. The FDA regulates cosmetics and drugs, so unless an essential oil is added to a cosmetic product or used in the creation of a medication, it will not fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA.

Can you sell products without FDA approval?

While not all products require pre-approval by the FDA, the FDA still has regulatory authority in the event of public safety concerns. The FDA has regulatory authority in the event of a public safety issue related to your product.

Top 10 Best Summer Fragrances of 2025!

Does perfume need FDA approval?

Fragrance ingredients in cosmetics must meet the same requirement for safety as other cosmetic ingredients. The law does not require FDA approval before they go on the market, but they must be safe for consumers when they are used according to labeled directions, or as people customarily use them.

Is it illegal if not FDA approved?

FDA Approval is Required by Law

Federal law requires all new drugs in the U.S. be shown to be safe and effective for their intended use prior to marketing.

Are fragrance oils regulated?

Some fragrance products are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These include products such as air fresheners, scented candles, laundry detergents, and household cleansers. If an “essential oil” or other fragrance is “natural” or “organic,” doesn't that mean it's safe?

Who regulates perfumes?

For four decades, the IFRA Standards have set the boundaries for fragrance creation – ensuring that people can enjoy the art of perfumery with confidence.

Do candles need FDA approval?

Candles are typically classified as consumer products, which places them under the oversight of the CPSC. However, the FDA gets involved when the candle contains fragrances or other additives that could be considered cosmetic or therapeutic in nature.

Are vapes FDA approved?

It subsequently concluded that the potential benefits of helping adult smokers quit do not outweigh the potential health risks to young people, who are most attracted to non-tobacco flavored vapes. The FDA has approved menthol-flavored e-cigarettes, as well as some that are tobacco-flavored.

Do all products have to be FDA approved?

Not all such products require FDA approval before going on the market. Most are, however, under the regulatory authority of the FDA in the event of safety-related concerns. Below is a list of the type of products that are regulated by the federal government.

Is Ashley Shine FDA approved?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns the public from purchasing and using the unauthorized cosmetic product, AS ASHLEY SHINE BOLD MATTE LIPSTICK (3). The abovementioned product was verified by FDA through postmarketing surveillance and shows no valid Certificate of Product Notification (CPN) as of 02 May 2023.

Can anyone start a perfume business?

To create your own perfume brand, you must consider your target market, unique selling points, brand identity, and the overall concept behind your perfumes. Conduct market research to identify potential competitors and understand consumer preferences. This groundwork will help you shape your business strategy.

Can I make perfume at home and sell it?

Thankfully, selling homemade perfume comes with a variety of methods. You will need to market your product to gift shops – in the high street and online – and possibly independent chemist's shops and toiletry stores.

How do I become a fragrance vendor?

To become a fragrance vendor, you must purchase permits (such as a reseller license) for the places in which you wish to do business. Once you've established a business plan, you must build an online wholesale store and forge relationships with suppliers and brands to stock your inventory.

Do you need a permit to make perfume?

FDA does not license cosmetics firms. However, state or local authorities may require licensing or have other requirements you need to know about. You will need to contact your state or local authorities directly. Again, the Small Business Administration may be able to help.

Do you need insurance to sell perfume?

Your Perfume Shop Needs Liability Insurance

It provides coverage for the expenses and financial damages associated with a liability lawsuit. But you must be certain you have the right coverage types.

Is fragrance unregulated?

Despite releasing compounds like chloromethane and methylene into the air, fragrance remains unregulated. The continual contamination of our air, soil and water resources has even identified some fragrance chemicals as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Are fragrances FDA approved?

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.

Do you need FDA approval for essential oils?

Aromatherapy uses diffusers, inhalers, aromatic spritzers, body oils, lotions, facial steamers, cold and hot compresses, bathing salts, and other methods to help users smell the products and help the skin absorb the products. There are many different types of products. Generally, the oils are not regulated by the FDA.

How do I trademark my fragrance?

Scents cannot be easily trademarked however this does not imply that you should not try to do so for your brand. By crafting a signature scent which has the sole purpose of representing your brand, you can easily acquire trademark protection for it.

Can you sell products that are not FDA approved?

Legal Compliance: Selling products that aren't FDA-compliant could result in legal fines, bans, or even criminal charges if the violation is severe. It's all the more reason to abide by the rules.

What claim does not require FDA approval?

FDA generally does not approve dietary supplement claims or other labeling before use. Under the FD&C Act, a firm is responsible for ensuring that the dietary supplements it manufactures or distributes are not adulterated, misbranded, or otherwise in violation of federal law.

What is an FDA violation?

adulterated, meaning the product is contaminated, is not safe, or does not otherwise meet applicable standards; misbranded, meaning the labels contain false or misleading information; an unapproved new drug; forbidden or restricted for sale.

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