Quality, GC/MS Testing & EU Compliance
Short answer
Aroma Kosmos treats documentation as part of the product. Every batch of essential oil, absolute, isolate and carrier oil is screened by GC/MS to confirm botanical identity and composition, and ships with a certificate of analysis and safety data sheet. Every material also carries an IFRA 51st amendment conformity statement, and anything used in EU cosmetics is documented against Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. These documents are what let a cosmetic brand file its own safety assessment.
What we test
| Test | What it establishes | What it does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| GC/MS identity | The oil matches the declared botanical species and shows its component profile | Organic status or harvest region on its own |
| Adulteration screening | Detects synthetic carriers or substituted chemistry added to stretch a cheap oil | Compliance with a specific client specification |
| Certificate of analysis | Batch-specific assay, density, refractive index and optical rotation | Long-term stability in your own formula |
| Safety data sheet | Handling, storage and first-aid information under REACH-style format | Finished-product safety, which remains your responsibility |
| IFRA statement | The maximum use level for the material in your product category | A substitute for your own finished-product safety assessment |
The paperwork you receive
- ✓Certificate of analysis for the specific lot you bought, with the analytical result.
- ✓Safety data sheet with handling, storage and transport information.
- ✓IFRA conformity statement with the use limit for your product category.
- ✓Allergen declaration for cosmetic use in the EU.
- ✓Lot traceability: the batch number links back to the distiller and origin.
Responsible documentation
Natural does not mean unregulated. Essential oils can cause skin irritation, phototoxic reactions and sensitisation, and a cosmetic product placed on the EU market needs a qualified safety assessor and a safety report. We supply the material data; the finished-product assessment stays with the party who places the product on the market.
The IFRA 51st amendment limits certain materials in specific categories. Oakmoss absolute, citral, eugenol and eugenol-bearing materials such as basil and clove are the common cases. Always check the certificate for the category you are formulating in.
Questions about quality and compliance
What does GC/MS testing actually prove?
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Gas chromatography separates the components of a batch and mass spectrometry identifies each one. Together they confirm the oil matches its declared botanical source and reveal adulteration - for example a lavender oil spiked with synthetic linalyl acetate. It does not by itself prove organic status or geographic origin.
Is IFRA certification the same as EU approval?
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No. IFRA is an industry body that publishes safety standards by product category, and the IFRA certificate states the maximum use level for each material in that category. EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 is the legal framework for cosmetic products placed on the EU market, and it requires the responsible person to hold the safety assessment. A material needs both.
Do I receive a certificate of analysis with my order?
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Yes. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis and safety data sheet. The COA carries the batch-specific result; on request we also provide the full chromatogram.
How do you handle IFRA-restricted materials?
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Materials such as oakmoss absolute, citral and eugenol carry category limits. The restriction and the applicable maximum use level are stated on the product page and in the IFRA certificate, so you can check your formulation against them before you buy.