Lilial, also known as Butylphenyl Methylpropional or 2-(4-terz-butilbenzil)propionaldeide, is a synthetic fragrance ingredient commonly used in cosmetic products. It is known for its floral scent, often described as lily-of-the-valley-like, and is used to add a pleasant fragrance to various personal care items, including perfumes, lotions, shampoos, and soaps.
Effects on human health
Butylphenyl Methylpropional (or Lilial) has been the subject of a number of scientific studies to assess its effects on human health. Numerous studies have shown that it can cause skin irritation, allergies, adverse skin reactions and adverse effects on the hormonal system, reproduction and foetal development.
Lilial banned in EU
Lilial has been classified as toxic for reproduction – Annex IV EU 1272/2008 (CLP) and therefore banned in cosmetic products as of 1 March 2022. The ban was implemented in accordance with the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which lays down rules on the safety of cosmetic products sold in the EU.
Product recalls
However, the compound continues to be present in several products that has been recalled in several European countries over the past 12 months. The following is a breakdown of the recalls and the countries involved:
- Italy: several cosmetic products, such as perfumes and lotions, were identified and recalled in Milan, Rome, and Naples due to the presence of Lilial.
- France: cosmetic recalls were initiated in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. Due to the detection of Lilial in various beauty products, including shampoos, body washes, and facial creams.
- Germany: in Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich, several cosmetic items, such as hair styling products, moisturizers, and sunscreens, were found to contain Lilial and were subsequently recalled.
- Spain: cosmetic recalls were carried out in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, targeting products such as perfumed soaps, deodorants, and body mists that contained Lilial.
- UK (United Kingdom): London, Manchester, and Birmingham witnessed the recall of various cosmetic products, including face masks, serums, and body lotions, due to the presence of Lilial.
Did you check the presence of Lilial in your product?
Our CosmeticLABs can check the presence of Lilial in your cosmetic products. The quantitative determination is performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method.