IFRA categories
Category reference for makers
Official IFRA category definitions are summarized from the same category list used in Sunday Maker. The examples below add typical maker vocabulary—always framed as non-definitive.
Important
IFRA category assignment can vary depending on product format, intended use, exposure route, dilution, and supplier interpretation. The examples below are typical maker-language shortcuts only—they are not legally definitive. Always review the latest supplier IFRA documentation and applicable regulations.
Category 1: Lips & toys
Lip products (lipstick, balm, gloss) and children's toys.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Lip balm
- Lip gloss
- Scented toys (where permitted)
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 2: Deodorant & body spray
Deodorant/antiperspirant (spray, stick, roll-on, etc.) and body sprays/mists.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Deodorant sticks or sprays
- Body mist / body spray
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 3: Face/eye makeup & wipes
Eye/face makeup and related products (mascara, eyeliner, eye cream), facial masks, tissues/wipes, and body paint.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Mascara
- Eyeliner
- Face makeup
- Makeup wipes
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 4: Fine fragrance
Perfume/cologne (EDT/EDP), solid perfume, aftershaves (non-cream), scented bracelets/strips, and fragrance kits.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Perfume / EDP / EDT
- Cologne
- Solid perfume
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 5A: Body creams & lotions
Body creams, oils, lotions, and foot care; powders (excluding baby/talc); insect repellent applied to skin.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Body lotion
- Body cream
- Foot cream
- Beard balm (cream-style)
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 5B: Face care & sunscreen
Facial toners, face moisturizers/creams (including beard/mustache care) and sunscreen/foundation-type face products.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Face moisturizer
- Sunscreen (face)
- Beard oil (face/skin contact)
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 5C: Hand care & sanitizer
Hand cream; nail care (cuticle creams, nail lacquer remover, etc.); hand sanitizers.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Hand cream
- Nail / cuticle oil
- Hand sanitizer (leave-on gel)
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 5D: Baby care (leave-on)
Baby cream/lotion, baby oil, baby powders and talc.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Baby lotion
- Baby oil
- Baby powder
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 6: Oral care
Toothpaste, mouthwash (including breath sprays), toothpowder, strips, and mouthwash tablets.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Breath spray
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 7A: Hair (rinse-off)
Hair rinse-off products and treatments (e.g., relaxers, rinse-off dyes/chemical treatments).
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Shampoo
- Conditioner (rinse-off)
- Hair masks you rinse out
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 7B: Hair (leave-on)
Leave-on hair products (styling aids, mousses, gels, leave-on conditioners) and leave-on chemical treatments.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Leave-in conditioner
- Hair serum
- Styling mousse or gel (leave-on)
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 8: Intimate/baby wipes (special)
Intimate wipes; intimate deodorant spray; tampons; baby wipes; baby toilet paper (wet).
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Baby wipes
- Intimate wipes
- Wet toilet paper
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 9: Personal care (rinse-off)
Rinse-off personal care (bar soap, shower gel, shampoo, liquid soap), plus shaving creams and depilatories.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Bar soap
- Shower gel
- Liquid hand soap
- Shaving cream
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 10A: Household care (excluding aerosol/spray products)
Household care products excluding aerosol/spray (e.g. laundry detergents, hard surface cleaners, polishes, textile/fabric sprays and deodorizers).
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener (liquid)
- Hard-surface spray (non-aerosol)
- Mop soap / floor cleaner (liquid)
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 10B: Household aerosol/spray products
Household aerosol and spray products (e.g. spray cleaners, aerosol air care, spray deodorizers).
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Aerosol cleaners
- Spray air fresheners
- Aerosol deodorizers
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 11A: Feminine hygiene & diapers
Feminine hygiene (pads/liners), baby diapers, incontinence products, and toilet paper (dry).
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Pads / liners
- Diapers
- Incontinence products
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 11B: Textiles & incidental contact
Textiles and incidental skin contact (scented socks/gloves, napkins, pillow spray, paper towels, wheat bags, scented masks).
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Linen spray on textiles
- Scented dryer sheets
- Pillow mist on fabric
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
Category 12: Air care & non-skin contact
Candles, air fresheners, incense, cat litter, and other products not intended for skin contact.
Products makers often discuss with this category
- Candles
- Wax melts
- Reed diffusers
- Plug-in warmers
- Room sprays (air care)
- Incense
Wording is intentionally non-absolute: products may fall under different categories depending on formulation and claims.
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