Fragrance-Free and Unscented Are Not the Same Brief

A buyer may ask for a fresh-smelling toilet cleaner, an unscented product or a fragrance-free product. Those requests should not be treated as interchangeable.

Define the sensory intent

EPA guidance distinguishes fragrance-free from unscented: an unscented product may still use materials that neutralise or mask ingredient odours, while its Safer Choice fragrance-free designation requires review confirming that no fragrance materials are present. This does not mean every product using either phrase is EPA certified.

Brief the whole formula

Fragrance materials, masking materials and dual-function ingredients must be reviewed in the context of the finished formulation. For a fragranced route, ask for the intended use, scent character, intensity, formula compatibility and relevant fragrance documentation.

Keep certification language separate

EPA Safer Choice and its fragrance-free designation are programme claims with defined eligibility and review. EPHYON does not imply that a proposed product has either designation. If certification is a project objective, it must be included in the brief and verified for the finished product.