Identification | Quality Testing | Content Analysis | Environmental Compliance | Product Safety
is a critical component of developing and commercializing agarwood-derived products such as essential oils, hydrosols, incense, and personal care formulations. Ensuring your products are non-toxic, safe for consumer use, and compliant with international regulations builds trust, protects public health, and supports market access globally.
1. What is Product Safety & Toxicology?
It involves scientifically evaluating whether a product—particularly those applied to skin or inhaled—is:
- Free from harmful substances
- Non-toxic in recommended doses
- Safe for intended use (topical, inhalation, ingestion)
2. Key Safety & Toxicology Assessments for Agarwood Products
| Test/Assessment | Purpose | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| GC-MS Analysis | Identifies chemical composition | Essential oils |
| Dermal Irritation/Sensitization Test | Tests for skin reactions | Oils, balms, cosmetics |
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50) | Measures toxicity if ingested | Rarely needed, but relevant for herbal/therapeutic use |
| Inhalation Toxicity Test | For incense or oil diffusers | Incense, sprays |
| Microbial Load Test | Checks for contamination | All topical and ingestible products |
| Heavy Metal Test | Detects lead, arsenic, mercury, etc. | Products with plant residues or clay additives |
| Stability Testing | Shelf life and chemical changes | Essential oils, cosmetics |
3. International Safety Standards & Guidelines
| Standard/Body | Relevance |
|---|---|
| IFRA (International Fragrance Association) | Safety limits for essential oil components (e.g., safrole, eugenol) |
| REACH (EU) | Chemical safety registration (especially for exports) |
| FDA (USA) | Cosmetic labeling, toxicity, and safety requirements |
| ASEAN Cosmetic Directive | Safety requirements for products in Southeast Asia |
| ISO 9235 | Defines “natural” aromatic raw materials |
| COSMOS/Ecocert | Organic certification & safe formulation standards |
4. Common Safety Concerns in Agarwood Products
| Issue | Risk | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| High resin concentration | Skin sensitization or respiratory irritation | Dilute essential oils before application |
| Improper distillation | Contaminants or off-odors | Use food-grade stainless steel and clean water |
| Adulteration (e.g., synthetic oud) | Unknown health effects | Authenticate via GC-MS and maintain traceability |
| Overexposure | Inhalation sensitivity in enclosed spaces | Use controlled dosages in diffusers or incense |
5. Product Labeling Requirements
Include the following on your product packaging:
- INCI names (e.g., Aquilaria malaccensis oil)
- Usage instructions & warnings
- Batch number and expiry date
- Country of origin
- Certification seals (if any)
- Allergen disclosure (required in many markets)
6. Recommended Tests for Agarwood Oil (Oud Oil)
| Test | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| GC-MS profile | 100% essential oil with identifiable marker compounds |
| Refractive index | 1.51–1.57 |
| Specific gravity | 0.92–1.0 |
| Acid value | <5 |
| Peroxide value | <10 (fresh oils) |
| Sensory testing | Pleasant woody aroma without off-notes |