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Chapter 03 · Science and regulation

International Dialogue for the Evaluation of Allergens (IDEA)

Two interviews1 min read

Watch the interviewWatched Matthias VeyYouTube

Matthias VeyVice President, Scientific Affairs

Interview 1 of 2

Stakeholder engagement and the IDEA project

Strengthening dermatological collaboration and risk assessment

Matthias Vey highlights the expansion of stakeholder engagement through the International Dialogue for the Evaluation of Allergens (IDEA). Supported by the European Commission, IDEA brings together dermatologists, scientists, regulators and industry to advance the assessment and management of fragrance skin sensitizers.

Over more than a decade, the initiative has helped refine the quantitative risk assessment methodologies used in the IFRA Standards. A key focus today is the IDEA surveillance project, developed with leading dermatology clinics across Europe to provide high-quality clinical data that informs best practice. This work reinforces IFRA’s commitment to science-based product stewardship and responsible engagement with the medical community.

Watch the interviewWatched Amaia IrizarYouTube

Amaia IrizarSenior Toxicology Associate

Interview 2 of 2

IDEA: progress toward animal-free risk assessment

Quantitative risk assessment for skin sensitization based only on NAMs

Amaia Irizar highlights the progress made in 2025 under the International Dialogue for the Evaluation of Allergens (IDEA). The multi-stakeholder initiative continued to advance science-based risk assessment for skin sensitization, supporting the safe use of fragrance ingredients within defined exposure limits.

A key milestone was the extension of the IDEA Reference Chemical Potency List to 110 substances. Now published in a peer-reviewed journal, the List supports the use of quantitative New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in a follow-up IDEA study. Findings were shared with regulators, scientific bodies and experts through workshops and consultations.

In 2026, IDEA will continue its dissemination and outreach, a significant step toward fully NAM-based quantitative risk assessment that maintains strong consumer protection.

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