Health Canada has introduced new requirements regarding the disclosure of fragrance allergens in cosmetic products sold in Canada.
These changes aim to improve transparency for consumers who may be sensitive to certain fragrance ingredients, while also introducing more flexibility for companies in how information is reported.
This article explains:
- the new labeling requirements
- the updated reporting expectations
- the full compliance timeline through 2028
New fragrance allergen labeling requirements
Under the amended Cosmetic Regulations, fragrance allergens must be listed on cosmetic product labels when present above the following thresholds:
- 0.01% in rinse-off products
- 0.001% in leave-on products
These thresholds are aligned with international practices aimed at helping consumers identify substances that may trigger allergic reactions.
Compliance timeline for fragrance allergen labeling
Health Canada has introduced a phased implementation timeline:
- As of April 12, 2026
All new and existing cosmetic products must disclose 24 fragrance allergens within the ingredient list - As of August 1, 2026
All new cosmetic products must disclose the expanded list of over 80 fragrance allergens - As of August 1, 2028
All existing cosmetic products must comply with the expanded list of over 80 fragrance allergens
* When present at concentrations greater than 0.01% in rinse-off products and 0.001% in leave-on products
Changes to CNF reporting expectations
Following the publication of the amended regulations, Health Canada received feedback from industry regarding the challenges of disclosing fragrance allergen concentrations.
Some companies raised concerns about accessing this information from suppliers and protecting confidential business information.
In response, Health Canada has clarified that:
- the concentration of certain fragrance allergens will become optional in the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF)
- fragrance allergens must still be declared as individual ingredients
👉 This introduces additional flexibility for companies while maintaining transparency requirements for consumers.
Upcoming CNF updates
Health Canada has indicated that the Cosmetic Notification Form will be updated to reflect this change.
Until the revised CNF is available:
- companies are encouraged to provide concentration or concentration ranges when known
- updates to existing submissions may be required once the new format is released
Important exception: restricted ingredients
An important exception applies when a fragrance allergen is also subject to restrictions under the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
In these cases, the concentration or concentration range may still be required in the CNF.
Examples include:
- eucalyptus
- camphor
- methyl salicylate
Companies should therefore verify whether fragrance allergens in their formulations are also listed as restricted ingredients.
What this means in practice
These updates highlight an important distinction:
👉 labeling requirements remain strict
👉 reporting obligations are becoming more flexible
For companies, preparation should focus on:
- reviewing fragrance compositions
- identifying allergens subject to disclosure
- updating labeling strategies
- aligning CNF submissions with new expectations
Where to find the full list of fragrance allergens
To support companies in identifying regulated fragrance allergens, a structured list is available covering currently regulated substances and upcoming requirements.
👉 Explore the full fragrance allergen list
Conclusion
The new fragrance allergen requirements represent a significant regulatory shift in Canada.
While labeling obligations are becoming more detailed, Health Canada has introduced flexibility in reporting to support industry implementation.
With multiple deadlines between 2026 and 2028, early preparation is essential to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions.
Going further
If you have questions about how these fragrance allergen requirements apply to your products or notifications, our regulatory team can support you.
👉 Contact us | 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter
Health Canada has introduced new requirements regarding the disclosure of fragrance allergens in cosmetic products sold in Canada.
These changes aim to improve transparency for consumers who may be sensitive to certain fragrance ingredients, while also introducing more flexibility for companies in how information is reported.
This article explains:
- the new labeling requirements
- the updated reporting expectations
- the full compliance timeline through 2028
New fragrance allergen labeling requirements
Under the amended Cosmetic Regulations, fragrance allergens must be listed on cosmetic product labels when present above the following thresholds:
- 0.01% in rinse-off products
- 0.001% in leave-on products
These thresholds are aligned with international practices aimed at helping consumers identify substances that may trigger allergic reactions.
Compliance timeline for fragrance allergen labeling
Health Canada has introduced a phased implementation timeline:
- As of April 12, 2026
All new and existing cosmetic products must disclose 24 fragrance allergens within the ingredient list - As of August 1, 2026
All new cosmetic products must disclose the expanded list of over 80 fragrance allergens - As of August 1, 2028
All existing cosmetic products must comply with the expanded list of over 80 fragrance allergens
* When present at concentrations greater than 0.01% in rinse-off products and 0.001% in leave-on products
Changes to CNF reporting expectations
Following the publication of the amended regulations, Health Canada received feedback from industry regarding the challenges of disclosing fragrance allergen concentrations.
Some companies raised concerns about accessing this information from suppliers and protecting confidential business information.
In response, Health Canada has clarified that:
- the concentration of certain fragrance allergens will become optional in the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF)
- fragrance allergens must still be declared as individual ingredients
👉 This introduces additional flexibility for companies while maintaining transparency requirements for consumers.
Upcoming CNF updates
Health Canada has indicated that the Cosmetic Notification Form will be updated to reflect this change.
Until the revised CNF is available:
- companies are encouraged to provide concentration or concentration ranges when known
- updates to existing submissions may be required once the new format is released
Important exception: restricted ingredients
An important exception applies when a fragrance allergen is also subject to restrictions under the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
In these cases, the concentration or concentration range may still be required in the CNF.
Examples include:
- eucalyptus
- camphor
- methyl salicylate
Companies should therefore verify whether fragrance allergens in their formulations are also listed as restricted ingredients.
What this means in practice
These updates highlight an important distinction:
👉 labeling requirements remain strict
👉 reporting obligations are becoming more flexible
For companies, preparation should focus on:
- reviewing fragrance compositions
- identifying allergens subject to disclosure
- updating labeling strategies
- aligning CNF submissions with new expectations
Where to find the full list of fragrance allergens
To support companies in identifying regulated fragrance allergens, a structured list is available covering currently regulated substances and upcoming requirements.
👉 Explore the full fragrance allergen list
Conclusion
The new fragrance allergen requirements represent a significant regulatory shift in Canada.
While labeling obligations are becoming more detailed, Health Canada has introduced flexibility in reporting to support industry implementation.
With multiple deadlines between 2026 and 2028, early preparation is essential to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions.
Going further
If you have questions about how these fragrance allergen requirements apply to your products or notifications, our regulatory team can support you.
👉 Contact us | 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter
