It is often thought that the FDA regulates what can go into a perfume. The FDA specifically bans about ten chemicals from use in cosmetics and fragrances. Legally, any other chemical can be used in making a fragrance. There are thousands of chemicals available for use in the production of fragrances and perfumes - many which are quite toxic. Due to the amount of time, research, and expense involved in legally banning an ingredient, the FDA depends on the fragrance industry's voluntary agreement to eliminate or limit certain ingredients that have been shown to cause irritation, allergies, and other skin problems.
Safety is an increasing concern with fragrance chemicals.
Increasingly, perfumes are a trigger for asthma, allergies, migraine headaches, and other problems. The FDA does not require safety testing of any ingredient that goes into cosmetics or perfumes. Only once the product is on the market does the FDA have any regulatory authority. Then the FDA must prove in court that the product is unsafe before it can require the product be removed from the marketplace. Many times manufacturers will voluntarily recall a product that is in question.