Addressing fragrance allergens
International Dialogue on the Evaluation of Allergens
The International Dialogue on the Evaluation of Allergens (IDEA) is a multi-stakeholder initiative conceived with the backing and oversight of the European Commission and their scientific advisors.
International Dialogue on the Evaluation of Allergens
Stakeholder engagement and the IDEA project
Strengthening dermatological collaboration and risk assessment
Matthias Vey, Vice-President Scientific Affairs at IFRA, 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 sensitisers. Over more than a decade, the initiative has contributed to the refinement of quantitative risk assessment methodologies used in IFRA Standards.
A key focus today is the IDEA surveillance project, developed in close collaboration with leading dermatology clinics across Europe, providing high-quality clinical data to inform best practices. This work reinforces IFRA’s commitment to science-based product stewardship and responsible engagement with the medical community.
Find out more about the IDEA project by visiting: https://ideaproject.info/
IDEA Progress in QRA Based only on animal-free New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
Progress towards animal-free approaches for skin sensitisation
Amaia Irizar, Senior Toxicology Associate at IFRA, highlights progress made in 2025 under the International Dialogue for the Evaluation of Allergens (IDEA). The multi-stakeholder initiative continued advancing science-based skin sensitisation risk assessment, supporting the safe use of fragrance ingredients within defined exposure limits.
A key milestone was the expansion of the IDEA Reference Chemical Potency List to 110 substances, now published in a peer-reviewed journal and supporting the use of quantitative New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Findings were shared with regulators, scientific bodies and experts through workshops and consultations. In 2026,
IDEA will continue dissemination and outreach, marking a significant step towards fully NAM-based quantitative risk assessment while maintaining strong consumer protection.
Find out more about the IDEA project by visiting: https://ideaproject.info/