The International Fragrance Association North America launched a second video in its “Making Scents” series yesterday. “No Secrets” uses animation to explain the importance of protecting fragrance formulas. Materials used to create new fragrances are publicly available and evaluated for safety by experts; it is only the mixture of the fragrance or perfume that is private. Disclosing exactly how a specific fragrance is made opens the product up to copycats and eliminates formula safety controls, the video explains to viewers.

The purpose of the video is for consumer education, according to Jennifer Abril, executive director, International Fragrance Association North. She said IFRA made the video for consumers who wonder why perfumers protect their artistic creations. “This is a fascinating industry with a fascinating story to tell and I’m delighted to share it with the world in a fun and informative way,” she said. “The fragrance industry is transparent about the ingredients available on the perfumer palette, but must protect individual fragrance recipes. Common legal protections like patents and trademarks, used for other great inventions, are not practical for perfumers.”

IFRA North America represents the fragrance materials industry in the United States and Canada. Member companies create and manufacture perfumes and fragrances for personal care, home care, and home design products. Companies that supply fragrance ingredients, such as essential oils and other raw materials, are also IFRA North America members. Watch Making Scents: No Secrets here.