Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM)

Rifm's largest service is scientific programs, which consist of human health sciences and environmental sciences. These programs involve the placement of studies to obtain information on the raw Materials used by the Fragrance industry for use in determining safety. Data is evaluated by an independent expert panel. Information and recommendations are published in the peer reviewed scientific literature and then provided to the international Fragrance association (ifra) for their use in developing the ifra standards to be utilized by the Fragrance industry to guarantee the safe use of such Materials in products to be distributed to consumers.

Rifm's second largest program service is the maintenance of the rifm database established in 1984. Information in this database is available to all rifm member organizations and also to industry associations and other interested parties. There are over 80,000 references and 7,000 Materials in this database which is continuously evolving and expanding with the addition of new updated information. Further details concerning each of rifm's 4 top programs are contained in rifm's 2023 annual report which is distributed to all rifm members and associated industry groups and on request to the public. Much of the information contained in this report is also accessible on the rifm website.