The RIFM

Between 1988 and 2008, the Vero Beach, Florida resident Ken Wessel operated Wessel Fragrances. To reward his work in the industry, in 2008, the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) recognized Ken Wessel for 33 years serving on the organization’s board. The RIFM is the leading organization collecting and distributing fragrance materials’ safety information.

Founded in 1966, the RIFM maintains resources cataloging fragrance materials and describing any safety issues to consumers. Groups of independent dermatologists, toxicologists, and more test and collect data about new materials to assist the organization. Then, the RIFM stores these findings and creates safety standards to protect consumers and address environmental concerns. These standards govern organizations like the International Fragrance Association (IFRA).

The RIFM publishes its work in several forms. Most notably, its database of over 6,000 fragrance materials is the largest of its kind globally, allowing subscribers to read the fact sheets for all of the featured ingredients. Alongside annual reports on their website, the RIFM publishes peer-reviewed articles in journals like Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. Some of these articles are available to download free from the RIFM’s website.