The 26 EU Fragrance Allergens Explained (2026 Reference)
Since 2005, the EU has required 26 fragrance allergens to be listed on cosmetic labels when above specific thresholds. Understanding this list helps you shop smarter and avoid reactions.
Secret Garden — Product Photos
Avenue 330 — Product Photos
Why 26 Allergens?
The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) identified these 26 substances as the most common causes of contact allergy from fragrance. They appear naturally in essential oils and are also synthesized for perfumery. Listing them empowers consumers — especially those with known sensitivities.
The Complete List
| # | Allergen | Common Source Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amyl cinnamal | Jasmine, floral accords |
| 2 | Benzyl alcohol | Preservative, floral bases |
| 3 | Cinnamal | Cinnamon, spicy scents |
| 4 | Cinnamyl alcohol | Hyacinth, balsam |
| 5 | Citral | Lemongrass, citrus |
| 6 | Citronellol | Rose, geranium |
| 7 | Coumarin | Tonka bean, hay, fougère |
| 8 | Eugenol | Clove, carnation, spice |
| 9 | Farnesol | Lily, floral bases |
| 10 | Geraniol | Rose, palmarosa |
| 11 | Hexyl cinnamal | Floral, violet |
| 12 | Hydroxycitronellal | Lily of the valley, muguet |
| 13 | Isoeugenol | Carnation, spice |
| 14 | Limonene | All citrus oils |
| 15 | Linalool | Lavender, bergamot, coriander |
| 16 | Methyl 2-octynoate | Fougère, lavender |
| 17 | Alpha-isomethyl ionone | Violet, iris, powdery notes |
| 18 | Evernia furfuracea (Treemoss) | Chypre, woody (restricted) |
| 19 | Evernia prunastri (Oakmoss) | Chypre classics (heavily restricted) |
| 20 | Anise alcohol | Anise, licorice accords |
| 21 | Benzyl benzoate | Balsamic, fixative |
| 22 | Benzyl cinnamate | Balsamic, floral |
| 23 | Benzyl salicylate | Floral, sunscreen note |
| 24 | Butylphenyl methylpropional (Lilial) | BANNED in EU since 2022 |
| 25 | Hexyl salicylate | Floral, green |
| 26 | Amylcinnamyl alcohol | Balsamic, floral |
What This Means for Chez Pierre
Every Chez Pierre fragrance is produced in Grasse under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009). When any of these 26 allergens exceed labeling thresholds in our formulas, they are disclosed on packaging. This is a legal requirement — and a transparency advantage over US-only brands that hide everything under 'fragrance.'
Note: Lilial (Butylphenyl methylpropional) was banned in the EU in March 2022 due to reproductive toxicity concerns. Chez Pierre formulations never included Lilial — we follow the latest IFRA and EU amendments.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I'm allergic to linalool, can I wear any perfume?
Linalool appears in most fragrances (natural and synthetic). You'd need to seek specifically formulated hypoallergenic lines or consult a dermatologist for patch testing.
Does US perfume list these allergens?
No — the US has no federal requirement to list fragrance allergens individually.
Are allergens the same as toxic chemicals?
No. Allergens trigger immune responses in sensitized individuals. Toxicity is a separate concept about harm at any exposure level.
How does IFRA relate to the EU 26?
IFRA sets concentration limits to minimize allergy risk. The EU 26 list requires disclosure when limits are exceeded — they work together.