Supporting the shift away from animal testing
New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
New Approach Methodologies seeks to replace animal testing for products used in cosmetics and fragrance.
Shifting towards animal-free safety assessment
Changing Global Regulatory Landscape Towards Animal-Free Chemical Safety Assessment
A global move to new approach methodologies
Amaia Irizar, Senior Toxicology Associate at IFRA, outlines major regulatory developments in 2025 signalling a global transition towards animal-free chemical safety assessment. Authorities in the EU, United States, Canada and the United Kingdom advanced strategies and roadmaps promoting the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and phasing out vertebrate testing.
These initiatives will directly affect the fragrance industry by clarifying how NAM-based evidence can be used in regulatory submissions and by reducing reliance on animal testing. While the shift creates opportunities for greater global alignment, coordination will be essential to avoid fragmented requirements. Looking ahead to 2026, IFRA will support implementation efforts, including through its active role in the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing.
IDEA Progress in QRA Based only on animal-free New Approach
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.