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SenzaGen Newsletter Q3, 2026

Essential Oils, Natural Extracts and “Difficult-to-test” samples at Eurotox

Skin sensitization potency assessment, “difficult-to-test” substances and respiratory sensitization were among the key topics discussed during our hosted session at EUROTOX 2026.
Together with experts from ExxonMobil, dōTERRA, and the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), we explored applications ranging from Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) of Essential Oils and Natural Extracts to regulatory testing under OECD DA 497. These discussions continue in our recent scientific publication and upcoming expert roundtable.

New peer-reviewed publication
Predicting quantitative skin sensitization potency in Essential Oils

One of the topics discussed at EUROTOX 2026 was the use of GARD® data for quantitative skin sensitization potency assessment of Complex Mixtures such as Essential Oils, a representative class of Natural Complex Substances (NCS).

In a newly published study, the authors demonstrate how GARD®skin Dose-Response data can be used to derive No-Expected-Sensitization Induction Levels (NESILs) of Essential Oils. Importantly, the results show strong overall concordance with historical LLNA data, supporting the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to derive Points of Departure (PoDs) for quantitative skin sensitization risk assessment.

Read the joint article with dōTERRA.

Upcoming expert roundtable
Assessing skin sensitization potency of Complex Mixtures

How can reliable skin sensitization potency estimates be generated for Natural Complex Substances and other complex mixtures using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)?

Building on both the recent publication and discussions at EUROTOX 2026, our upcoming expert roundtable will explore scientific, regulatory and practical perspectives on potency assessment, including current challenges, data interpretation and future opportunities.

Read more and register for the webinar

OECD review highlights advances in respiratory sensitization assessment

The OECD has published its Detailed Review Paper on Respiratory Sensitization, an important step toward advancing non-animal testing and future regulatory acceptance of respiratory sensitization assessments.

The report reviews current scientific understanding, regulatory needs and available NAMs, while outlining a path toward harmonized testing strategies.

SenzaGen contributed to the international expert group behind the publication, and GARD®air is included in the report’s review of available methods. Supported by the largest application dataset currently available for this endpoint, GARD®air continues to contribute to the scientific foundation for non-animal respiratory sensitization assessment.

Reference: OECD (2026), Detailed Review Paper on Respiratory Sensitisation, OECD Series on Testing and Assessment, OECD Publishing, Paris 
Read the OECD Review Paper

Upcoming events

🎧 Webinar/Expert roundtable: Skin sensitization potency of Complex Mixtures | Oct 6
🌎 Conference: Biocompatibility Insights 2026 | Copenhagen, Denmark | Oct 13-14
🌎 Conference: ACT 2026 | San Antonio TX, United States | Nov 15-18