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Ingredient function glossary

Ingredient label reference

Parfum

Fragrance composition

Fragrance, colour and sensory modifiers

A labelling term indicating a material or blend added to create or mask odour.

Also seen as
Fragrance · Perfume · Aroma
Reported functions
Fragrance · Perfuming
Example formats
Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream

Why it may be in a product

Fragrance shapes the human experience of grooming and the perceived character of the finished product.

What the name tells you

It tells you that a fragrance material or blend is listed; the term is intentionally non-specific.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish individual materials, concentration, source or naturalness, allergen-disclosure duties, persistence, tolerability or safety. Aroma is a search aid, not necessarily an exact synonym in every product.

Evidence status

Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.

Reference entries

Evidence and boundaries

Terminology sources, shown plainly.

The glossary uses official European sources to check ingredient terminology and to keep medical, biocidal and finished-product claims outside the glossary. Cosmetic references concern human products; their use here is limited to names and reported formulation functions.

Reference review: 2026-08-25.

Read the Journal editorial method →

Discussed in Journal guides

  1. Source 1

    European Commission — CosIng database

    A non-binding reference for cosmetic ingredient names and reported functions. It concerns human cosmetics and is used here only as a terminology source, not as canine safety approval.

  2. Source 2

    Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1175

    The current EU glossary of common ingredient names for cosmetic product labelling, applicable from 30 July 2026.

  3. Source 3

    Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products

    Regulatory context for why claims about treating or preventing disease are outside this formulation glossary.

  4. Source 4

    Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 on biocidal products

    Regulatory context for why disinfection and pest-control claims are outside this formulation glossary.