5 lépés az etikus alapanyag-beszerzés ellenőrzéséhez
2026. január 23.Reading time: 11 min
Behind every fragrance lies a supply chain that impacts farmers, ecosystems, and communities worldwide. Ensuring ethical ingredient sourcing is crucial to addressing issues like unsafe working conditions, unfair wages, and resource depletion. Here’s a quick guide to help you evaluate and support ethical practices in the fragrance industry:
Look for third-party certifications: Certifications like UEBT, FairWild, and Rainforest Alliance verify fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable harvesting.
Check ingredient transparency: Brands should disclose full ingredient lists, including allergens and sourcing details, to ensure ethical claims are valid.
Verify supply chain traceability: Tools like the IFRA Transparency List and sourcing policies help track ingredients from farm to product.
Review labor and farming practices: Fair trade standards and sustainable farming methods ensure fair wages and protect biodiversity.
Confirm independent audits: Reputable third-party audits validate ethical claims and provide accountability for sourcing practices.
5 Steps to Verify Ethical Fragrance Ingredient Sourcing
Step 1: Look for Third — Party Certifications
Third-party certifications provide independent verification of claims through rigorous audits, rather than relying on self-reported information. These external checks, conducted by accredited organizations, ensure that supply chain practices align with what labels promise. Here are some key certifications that highlight ethical sourcing in the fragrance industry.
Certifications to Prioritize
When evaluating fragrance products, focus on labels from organizations committed to ethical sourcing. One prominent certification is the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), which confirms that botanicals are cultivated or harvested in ways that respect both biodiversity and the people involved. The often collaborates with UEBT, particularly for ingredients like vanilla and cinnamon, as part of their Herbs & Spices Programme. For wild-harvested plants, certification addresses issues such as sustainable harvesting and ecosystem preservation. Although the primarily focuses on safety standards, its Code of Practice includes guidelines on ingredient purity and origin. Notably, IFRA members are responsible for approximately 80% of the global fragrance production.
Certifications like these rely on on-site audits to confirm fair wages, safe working environments, and the integrity of the supply chain. As the FairWild Foundation notes:
"Our audited system ensures complete traceability and provenance, addressing the critical challenges faced by businesses today – from navigating complex legal frameworks to meeting the growing demand for ethically sourced ingredients."
To maintain their credibility, most certifications mandate regular audits. For example, FairWild certificates are valid for 15 months and require annual on-site inspections to remain current.
Step 2: Check Ingredient Transparency
Why Full Ingredient Disclosure Matters
Fragrance labels often hide a multitude of chemicals under vague terms like "fragrance" or "parfum", making it nearly impossible to identify potential allergens or verify ethical sourcing. Cat Chen, Founder of Skylar, sums up the issue:
"When you read an ingredient label for a fragrance, you basically see alcohol…along with fragrance or parfum, which is a Trojan horse of what could literally be thousands of ingredients, including allergy-causing ones."
Although 73% of consumers are willing to pay extra for eco-friendly products, only 41% feel they have enough information to make sustainable choices. Full ingredient disclosure is crucial for verifying claims about ethical sourcing. Without it, there’s no way to confirm if ingredients are sustainably harvested, fairly traded, or free from harmful chemicals like phthalates - endocrine disruptors often lurking under the "fragrance" umbrella.
Transparent brands take an extra step by separating fragrance ingredients (those that provide scent) from functional ingredients (like preservatives, solvents, and antioxidants). They also identify allergens. For example, the EU now requires disclosure of over 80 known fragrance allergens, a significant increase from the previous 26. For natural ingredients, brands that specify details such as the plant part used and the extraction method (aligned with ISO 9235 standards) demonstrate a higher level of transparency. These details help consumers critically evaluate a brand’s ethical and sustainable practices.
How to Research Brand Transparency
Start by examining the brand’s website, packaging, and any QR codes provided. Truly transparent companies list ingredients using INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names rather than vague marketing terms. The 2025 IFRA Transparency List includes 3,691 ingredients - 3,312 for fragrances and 379 for functional uses - offering a clear benchmark for what full disclosure should look like.
Compare ingredient lists against retailer-banned lists like Credo’s "Dirty List" to identify any restricted substances. Many brands now include QR codes that lead directly to detailed ingredient breakdowns. Pay attention to whether the brand distinguishes between natural and synthetic ingredients, providing specific details such as "cold-pressed orange peel oil" instead of a generic term like "orange oil". Clear and precise ingredient lists not only help identify allergens but also ensure that the products align with sustainable and fair sourcing practices. With 81% of shoppers valuing transparency both online and in-store, ethical brands typically make this information readily accessible across all platforms.
Step 3: Verify Supply Chain Traceability
Traceability Tools and Technologies
Traceability ensures that ethical practices are upheld throughout the entire journey of a product - from the harvesting of ingredients to the final bottle on your shelf. This process is essential for verifying claims about fair labor and sustainability. For example, major fragrance suppliers like Givaudan handle over 10,000 natural raw materials sourced globally, highlighting the need for robust systems to track each ingredient’s path.
Several tools and initiatives have been developed to support traceability. The IFRA Transparency List, often referred to as a "perfumer’s palette", provides a public overview of ingredients used in fragrances, aiding in tracking efforts. Another initiative, the Sourcing4Good Program, monitors working conditions, biodiversity, and sustainability across 18,000 suppliers using a four-level system. As of 2024, 53% of materials and services by procurement spend in this program are classified as responsibly sourced, with an ambitious goal of reaching 100% by 2030.
Additional tools include the Responsible Sourcing Tool (RST), which identifies risks of child and forced labor based on industry, commodity, and country, and the Validated Assessment Program (VAP) from the Responsible Business Alliance, which audits conditions in factories and farms to ensure socially and environmentally responsible practices. Furthermore, the UEBT Ethical BioTrade Standard, particularly Principle 4, focuses on guaranteeing traceability in complex supply chains - especially for ingredients sourced from remote areas where environmental and economic challenges are prevalent.
With these resources in mind, you can begin asking brands the right questions to confirm they are fully transparent about the origins of their ingredients.
Questions to Ask Brands About Their Supply Chain
To assess a brand’s commitment to traceability, start by inquiring whether they have a published Responsible Sourcing Policy — Givaudan set the industry standard by being the first to adopt one. Ask for information on specific sourcing projects, such as Egyptian jasmine, Haitian vetiver, or Indonesian patchouli, to confirm the brand’s active involvement at the source level. It’s also important to find out if the brand ensures transparency across the entire value chain, including primary manufacturers, growers, and collectors.
You can also ask whether the brand uses Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs) and third-party audits, such as the Responsible Business Alliance’s Validated Assessment Program. These measures are critical because ethical practices at the farm or collector level directly influence both environmental sustainability and fair labor conditions. Brands that prioritize traceability should be able to provide detailed sourcing reports that back up their claims.
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Ethical labor practices are a key pillar of sustainable fragrance sourcing, complementing ingredient transparency and traceability.
Fair trade certifications play a vital role here. They ensure minimum prices and provide fair-trade premiums that fund community development projects. These certifications also aim to guarantee that farmers and harvesters earn a living wage - enough to meet basic needs - rather than just the legal minimum, which often falls short in botanical supply chains.
"Fair Trade standards are the way we help brands meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, and fulfill our mission to deliver benefits to producers, businesses, and consumers." — Fair Trade USA
It’s important to ask whether brands conduct annual on-site audits during peak harvest times. These audits should include confidential worker interviews to verify compliance with fair wages, safe working conditions, and adherence to core International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions, such as Freedom of Association, Equal Pay, and the prohibition of child labor. A study by the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) highlights that ensuring fair remuneration remains a significant challenge, with minimum wage equivalents often unmet for pickers and farmers in botanical supply chains.
Certifications like FairWild for wild-harvested ingredients or UEBT verification signal a commitment to ethical sourcing. These certifications include human rights assessments and field-level evaluations. FairWild, in particular, reflects a long-term dedication to improving sustainability. Additionally, the IFRA — IOFI Sustainability Charter, signed by over 140 companies, commits its members to responsible sourcing and prioritizing employee well-being.
Ethical labor practices demand transparency, and sustainable farming ensures the longevity of both ecosystems and supply chains.
Sustainable Farming Methods
Sustainable farming goes beyond minimizing harm - it actively rejuvenates ecosystems. Organizations like UEBT assess farming practices against international social, environmental, and economic benchmarks. It’s useful to distinguish between "responsible sourcing", which focuses on reducing risks, and "ethical sourcing", which aims to enhance biodiversity.
UEBT conducts field verifications at intervals ranging from annually to every three years, depending on the risk level of the supply chain. Many leading suppliers have pledged to adopt fully sustainable practices by 2030. Consumers should also look for brands implementing Biodiversity Action Plans or practicing regenerative agriculture to maintain ecological balance when sourcing ingredients like flowers, wood, and resins.
Moreover, companies under the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) - representing about 80% of the global fragrance market - must adhere to a strict Code of Practice. This includes sourcing ingredients through rigorous environmental and traceability audits. These measures ensure that sustainable farming practices align with the broader goals of ecosystem preservation and ethical production.
Step 5: Check for Independent Audits
Independent audits are the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to ethical sourcing, ensuring that certifications and ingredient transparency are backed by solid, verifiable practices.
What Independent Audits Look At
Independent audits serve as impartial proof that a brand’s ethical claims hold up under scrutiny. These audits assess supply chains against globally recognized standards, verifying practices directly at farms and collection sites. They build on the transparency and traceability efforts already in place.
Audits focus on three main areas:
Social: Are workers paid fair wages? Are their rights respected? Are their working conditions safe?
Environmental: Is biodiversity being protected? Are harvesting methods sustainable? Are wild species treated responsibly? [9, 13]
Economic: Are harvesting practices legal? Are local communities fairly compensated? [9, 13]
"UEBT assesses current practices in botanicals supply chains using the UEBT standard that is internationally recognized and covers important social, environmental and economic issues related to the sourcing of ingredients from biodiversity." – UEBT
The most effective audit programs go beyond a simple pass/fail system. Instead, they provide detailed evaluations and offer actionable recommendations for ongoing improvement. How often these audits occur depends on the level of risk - high-risk, wild-harvested ingredients may require annual reviews, while lower-risk supply chains might only need audits every one to three years.
Spotting Brands That Use Independent Audits
Now that you know what audits entail, finding brands that rely on them becomes easier.
Look for phrases like "UEBT verified responsibly sourced [ingredient]" on packaging or brand websites. Dive into their sustainability reports to find audit summaries or Certificates of Conformity [9, 5]. You can also use tools like the Ethical Supply Chain Program’s Supplier Lookup to check if a brand or factory is certified.
Make sure the audits are conducted by reputable third-party organizations, such as UEBT experts or auditors approved by the Ethical Supply Chain Program [9, 30]. Also, confirm that these audits cover the actual sources, such as farms or local processors. This ensures ethical practices are upheld from the very beginning of the supply chain.
Conclusion
Building Ethical Consumer Habits
Making thoughtful choices as a consumer can have a real impact on ethical sourcing and sustainability. Start by looking for certifications from organizations such as Leaping Bunny or Fairtrade, which ensure products meet specific ethical standards. Insist on full ingredient transparency and traceability in the supply chain, and consider labor practices and audit processes when selecting brands. Adopting a "buy less but better" mindset not only reduces waste but also supports efforts to protect biodiversity and uplift local communities.
As master perfumer Aurélien Guichard puts it:
"One of the most ethical things fragrance brands can do is to source raw materials that are produced with respect to nature and human beings".
You can also prioritize brands that offer refillable packaging, use upcycled ingredients, or work directly with organic farmers. If you find a lack of information, don’t hesitate to reach out to brands for clarity. These small yet impactful habits can guide you toward smarter, more responsible fragrance choices.
How Scento Supports Responsible Fragrance Discovery
Scento provides a practical way to embrace responsible fragrance discovery while addressing one of the industry’s biggest challenges - waste. By offering authentic designer and niche fragrances in smaller decant sizes, such as 0.75ml, 2ml, and 8ml, Scento allows you to explore luxury scents without committing to full-size bottles. This approach not only reduces waste but also gives you the chance to test a fragrance for its longevity and suitability before making a larger investment. With a selection of over 1,000 designer fragrances and an optional 8ml monthly subscription, Scento helps you curate a sophisticated fragrance wardrobe while minimizing environmental impact.
FAQs
What certifications should I look for to ensure ethical ingredient sourcing in perfumes?
To support ethical ingredient sourcing in perfumes, pay attention to certifications such as UEBT (Union for Ethical BioTrade) and FairWild. UEBT emphasizes responsible practices by focusing on biodiversity, fair benefit sharing, and respecting labor rights. Meanwhile, FairWild ensures that wild plants are harvested responsibly, prioritizing biodiversity conservation and ethical trade.
These certifications offer confidence that the ingredients in your perfume are sourced with care for both people and the planet.
How can I check if a perfume brand uses ethically sourced ingredients?
To determine if a perfume brand uses ethically sourced ingredients, start by examining how open they are about their sourcing practices. Look for brands that clearly share where their ingredients come from, outline their efforts to promote sustainability, and adhere to recognized safety standards. Many ethical companies provide ingredient glossaries or detailed sourcing information directly on their websites, making it easier to assess their values.
Another helpful resource is the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which establishes globally recognized standards for safety and transparency in fragrance ingredients. Checking if a brand follows IFRA guidelines can add assurance about their dedication to ethical sourcing. Focus on companies that actively and openly demonstrate their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Why is independent auditing important for ethical ingredient sourcing?
Independent auditing plays a key role in verifying that brands adhere to ethical sourcing practices. By relying on third-party verification, it ensures transparency and holds companies accountable, confirming that ingredients are obtained responsibly and with care for the environment.
This approach safeguards biodiversity, supports human rights, and ensures suppliers comply with stringent ethical guidelines. It also strengthens consumer confidence by showcasing a brand’s dedication to fair practices and sustainable sourcing.
Reading time: 11 min
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5 lépés az etikus alapanyag-beszerzés ellenőrzéséhez
