What Category do Candles Fall Under?

When looking at labelling standards, candles are under the category of cosmetics. Candles must adhere to all of the guidelines set out for the cosmetics such as fragrance load, ingredients, safety and applications. For example, when looking at the specifications for fragrance load, a candle can only have between 6% and 10% of it’s total ingredients be fragrance. If you are making your own candles you will want to verify the fragrance allowed with the IFRA specifically IFR 49. It is the sole responsibility of the candle manufacturer to adhere to these guidelines.

The IFRA 49 outlines the guidelines for things like candles and personal grooming product. Candles once were considered in IFRA 48 but are now in the IFRA 49. When this change occurred, candle ingredients had to be slightly modified to follow these new specifications. These guidelines are set up to ensure consumer health and safety. All manufacturers must follow these guidelines no matter if you are a huge company or a home business.

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