Givaudan scientists join with University of York researchers to explore the safety of fragrance diffusers in real homes

This research allowed us to combine the expertise of Givaudan and the University of York in the first major exploration into the effect of fragrance diffusers on air quality within the home and overwhelmingly demonstrated that consumers are not exposed to unsafe levels of fragrance ingredients from diffuser use. The results of the research are fascinating and assist our perfumers every day in working with customers to deliver beautiful fragrances safely.

A Royal Society of Chemistry paper has been published in the journal ‘Environmental Science: Advances’. Called ‘An assessment of VOC emissions and human strength perception of liquid electric fragrance diffusers’, the paper assesses the use of multiple plug-in diffusers and analyses air samples.

• Research excellence

Combining the excellent work of The Givaudan Regulatory Affairs & Product Safety scientists collaborated with the University of York and Bath & Body Works scientists, the paper details the structure and results of the detailed tests carried out to identify the potential impact of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in our homes.

The use of electric diffusers is increasing and there has been some concern around their effect on air quality. This paper demonstrates the safety of these devices: even when five diffusers were added to one room, consumers found themselves overloaded with fragrance, and there was still no discernible increase in the VOCs measured.

The study used a variety of situations to test the diffusers in the homes of our team of sensory panelists in Ashford, as well as the test rooms in our Ashford Centre of Excellence. Different size rooms and number of diffusers were all carefully managed to collect data.

• Ongoing projects

Our RAPS team is constantly considering the safety of our fragrances and how they are delivered, working closely with customers. This latest paper is the result of an important project that helps the industry to demonstrate the data, rather than simply responding to regulation. Givaudan scientists are always exploring the delivery of Givaudan’s beautiful fragrances, to ensure that consumers remain safe.

• Fragrance in the home

While conducting the in-depth research into the use of electric diffusers for delivering fragrance in the home, scientists discovered that the observable effect of VOCs was below that found in using other products. Given the pack advice, the research found these products to be perfectly safe and the Royal Society of Chemistry paper provides very powerful data to reassure regulators and the consumer.

Read the article here

with Givaudan team members Neil Owen , Greg Adamson , Arshdeep Kaur Joshi , Molka Chevalier , Talita Takaki