Industry-leading safety standards backed by complete documentation and regulatory compliance
The fragrance industry has a problem. Traditional fragrances were formulated for mass production in controlled industrial settings—factories with specialized ventilation systems, protective equipment, and trained safety personnel. But today’s reality is different.
Most fragrance users are working in home kitchens, small studios, or family spaces shared with children and pets. They don’t have access to industrial safety equipment or expensive air filtration systems. Yet they were being sold products designed for factory environments.
At Zen Aroma, we recognized this fundamental mismatch. The existing industry safety standards weren’t made for real people in real homes. That realization launched our journey to create something better.
Like many in the fragrance industry, we initially relied on existing safety standards and supplier documentation. But as we dug deeper into ingredient safety research and witnessed the limited transparency in the industry, we realized we needed to take a different approach.
Our fragrance safety evolution:
Phase 1 – Industry Wake-Up Call: We discovered that many suppliers provide identical safety data sheets for different fragrances, offer minimal allergen information, and rely on generic compliance statements.
Phase 2 – Regulatory Deep Dive: We achieved full New Zealand EPA compliance for all our labelling and began requiring comprehensive documentation from every supplier.
Phase 3 – Standards Development: We created our own rigorous evaluation criteria that go far beyond basic legal requirements.
Phase 4 – Complete Transparency: We now provide the most comprehensive fragrance documentation in the industry—specific safety data sheets, detailed allergen reports, IFRA certificates, and EPA-compliant labelling for every single product.
This multi-year journey resulted in our WellScents and WellScents+ certification programs, designed specifically for people who use fragrances in everyday settings around their families.
Our WellScents program is built on rigorous scientific evaluation and comprehensive regulatory compliance, including:
What You Get With Every Zen Aroma Fragrance:
📋 Complete Safety Data Sheet: Not generic templates—specific hazard analysis for each individual fragrance with accurate GHS pictogram classifications.
📜 IFRA Certificate: Official usage restrictions and compliance verification from the International Fragrance Association.
🧪 Detailed Allergen Report: Exact percentages of all 26 EU allergens—precise numbers like “Limonene: 2.35%” rather than vague “present/absent” statements.
✅ NZ EPA Compliant Labels: Full regulatory compliance with New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority standards.
Many fragrance suppliers cut corners on safety documentation. Red flags to avoid:
Our comprehensive approach means complete transparency about every product you purchase. You deserve to know exactly what you’re bringing into your home.
This level of transparency is rare in the fragrance industry. Many suppliers provide generic or incomplete documentation. Our commitment to full disclosure ensures you have all the information needed to make informed safety decisions.
When reviewing fragrance safety documentation, you’ll encounter standardized warning symbols. Here’s what they mean for your safety:
☠️ Skull and Crossbones: Acute toxicity – ingredients that can be harmful with single exposure. These represent the highest risk level.
⚠️ Health Hazard: Carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins. Serious long-term health concerns.
🔥 Corrosion: Materials that can damage skin, eyes, or metals on contact.
❗ Exclamation Point: Irritants or allergens. Less severe than above, but important for sensitive individuals.
Red Flag Warning: Be cautious of suppliers who provide identical SDS sheets for different fragrances—this suggests generic, inaccurate documentation rather than specific safety analysis.
WellScents is our basic safety certification that screens out the most concerning ingredients found in traditional fragrances. When you see the WellScents badge, you can trust that the product has passed our fundamental safety requirements designed specifically for home use.
❌ Phthalates – These hormone-disrupting chemicals, commonly used to make fragrances last longer, are completely eliminated from all WellScents certified products.
❌ High-Risk Carcinogens and Reproductive Toxins – Any ingredient classified as a confirmed cancer-causing agent or reproductive toxin at concerning levels (10% or higher) is automatically excluded.
❌ California Proposition 65 Substances – These are chemicals known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. If it’s on the Prop 65 list, it’s not in our WellScents certified fragrances.
WellScents certified fragrances have been specifically screened for use in home environments. While they may still contain some mild allergens (which are clearly flagged in the Allergen Report for transparency), you can be confident that the most serious health risks have been eliminated.
WellScents+ is our most rigorous safety standard—the gold standard for fragrance safety. This certification includes all WellScents protections plus additional layers of premium safety screening.
✅ Zero Tolerance for EU Allergens Above 0.1% – The European Union has identified 26 specific fragrance allergens that commonly cause skin reactions. WellScents+ certified products keep each of these allergens at or below 0.1% to minimize allergic reaction risk.
✅ Complete Environmental Protection – Any ingredient that could harm aquatic life or ecosystems is excluded, regardless of concentration level. We believe in protecting both you and the planet.
✅ No Synthetic Dyes or Colorants – Artificial colors serve no functional purpose in fragrances and can cause skin sensitivities. WellScents+ products rely on natural coloration or remain uncolored.
✅ Enhanced Carcinogen Screening – Even trace amounts of potential cancer-causing agents are flagged for manual review, providing an extra layer of protection.
WellScents+ represents the safest possible fragrance experience available today. These products are ideal for individuals with sensitive skin, allergies, pregnant women, households with young children, or anyone who simply wants the highest level of safety assurance possible.
We believe in honest communication about fragrance safety performance. In our current catalog of fragrances:
While WellScents+ certification remains challenging to achieve industry-wide, we’re proud to offer products that meet these exceptional safety standards—a significant achievement in today’s fragrance market. Our 61.8% WellScents compliance rate demonstrates our commitment to providing safer fragrance options for our customers.
Creating these standards wasn’t without challenges. As new research emerges and scientific understanding evolves, some fragrances that previously met our criteria may need reevaluation.
For example, ingredients that were considered safe based on earlier data might later be identified as potential concerns by organizations like RIFM (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials). When this happens, we:
✅ Immediately flag affected products with complete transparency
✅ Provide detailed information about the updated research
✅ Work with suppliers on reformulations when possible
✅ Remove products from certification if necessary
This is why our 61.8% WellScents rate represents an ongoing achievement—we continuously monitor and adjust as science advances. Safety isn’t a destination; it’s a journey of continuous improvement.
For Everyday Users: WellScents certified fragrances provide substantial safety improvements over conventional products while maintaining the beautiful scents you love. Perfect for regular home use with confidence.
For Sensitive Individuals: If you have allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin, our WellScents+ products and detailed allergen reports help you make informed choices. You’ll know exactly what’s in each product down to precise percentages.
For Families: Both certifications prioritize the safety of your loved ones, with WellScents+ offering additional protection for households with young children, pregnant women, or elderly family members.
For Environmentally Conscious Consumers: Our aquatic safety standards ensure your fragrance choices don’t contribute to environmental harm. WellScents+ products have zero environmental impact from fragrance ingredients.
Beyond our pass/fail certifications, we believe in complete transparency. For every fragrance we evaluate, we also flag items that don’t disqualify the product but are worth your awareness:
This information helps you make the most informed choice for your specific needs and sensitivities.
“Can I see the complete documentation for your fragrances?” Absolutely! We provide complete SDS, IFRA certificates, and detailed allergen reports for every fragrance. This level of transparency is rare in the industry and demonstrates our commitment to your safety.
“What makes your documentation different from other suppliers?” Unlike suppliers who use generic templates or identical safety sheets for different products, we provide specific documentation for each fragrance with exact allergen percentages and precise safety classifications.
“Do you provide NZ EPA compliant labelling?” Yes! All our products meet New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority requirements, demonstrating our commitment to regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility.
“How do your standards compare to IFRA requirements?” Our standards exceed IFRA requirements. While IFRA sets industry minimums, our WellScents and WellScents+ programs add additional safety layers specifically designed for home use rather than industrial settings.
“Are WellScents products still effective?” Absolutely. Safety doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Our certified fragrances deliver beautiful scents and excellent performance while protecting your health and the environment.
“How do these standards compare to ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ claims?” Our standards are more comprehensive than most natural claims. We evaluate safety based on scientific evidence rather than just ingredient origin. Some synthetic ingredients are actually safer than their natural alternatives.
“What happens when new research identifies concerns about ingredients?” We immediately evaluate the new research, update our standards if necessary, flag affected products transparently, and work on reformulations. Our commitment is to continuous improvement based on the latest science.
WellScents and WellScents+ certifications take the guesswork out of fragrance safety. Whether you choose our basic WellScents standard for fundamental protection or seek out our premium WellScents+ certification for maximum safety assurance, you’re making a choice that prioritizes your health, your family’s well-being, and environmental protection.
Every purchase of certified products sends a powerful message to the fragrance industry: consumers demand and deserve safer products with complete transparency. Together, we’re driving positive change that benefits everyone.
When you choose Zen Aroma’s certified fragrances, you’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in your family’s safety and supporting the transformation of an entire industry.
