IFRA 52nd Amendment: New restrictions for Fragrances (2025–2029)

IFRA has launched a public consultation on the draft 52nd Amendment to the IFRA Standards, a significant move for the cosmetics and perfumery industry, as it introduces a wide range of new restrictions and revisions on aromatic ingredients.

This draft proposes measures focused primarily on skin sensitization and, in some cases, systemic toxicity, two endpoints that directly impact the safety assessment, formulation, and technical documentation associated with perfumed products.

For brands that operate in multiple markets (EU, UK, GCC, US, etc.), anticipation is key: IFRA updates often translate into reformulations , adjustments in fragrance supply, and mandatory updates to regulatory dossiers.

Table of contents

1. What does IFRA's Draft 52nd Amendment include?

2. Why is this important for cosmetic brands and manufacturers?

3. Expected dates: When would the new restrictions apply?

4. How can Belab Services help you?

IFRA 52nd Amendment: New restrictions for Fragrances (2025–2029)

What does IFRA's Draft 52nd Amendment include?

According to the published information, the draft includes:

• 40 new restriction standards based on skin sensitization and systemic toxicity

• 11 additional standards based solely on skin sensitization

• 15 reviews of existing restrictions

• Review related to musk ketone specifications

• Update related to the restriction of furocoumarins

From a regulatory point of view, this is not a minor change: it can affect multiple product categories (leave-on, rinse-off, hair products, perfumes, etc.) and different formulation strategies.

Why is this important for cosmetic brands and manufacturers?

Although IFRA is not a European “law” as such, its standards serve as an international technical reference and, in practice, many distribution chains, B2B clients, retailers and regulatory authorities require them as a condition for operating.

This means that IFRA updates can become commercially mandatory , and failure to comply can result in:

• marketing blocks by distributors/retailers,

• inconsistencies in technical files and safety assessments,

• release delays,

• need to reformulate with little advance notice.

Expected dates: When would the new restrictions apply?

According to the draft communication, the expected timeline would be:

• November 2026 : Publication of the official notification

• October 2027 : Implementation for new creations

• June 2029 : Implementation for existing creations

Even though it seems like a wide margin, the operational reality is that a reformulation involving fragrances requires time: stability, compatibility with packaging, revalidation of claims, and complete updating of technical documentation.

How can Belab Services help you?

At Belab Services we help brands and manufacturers prepare and execute regulatory compliance strategies for cosmetics and perfumed products in multiple markets.

If you need support to assess the impact of IFRA's Draft 52nd Amendment on your portfolio (EU/UK, export and technical documentation), we can help you establish a realistic and actionable plan.

Get in touch with our team of experts today