What is BMHCA?
BMHCA, also known as 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde or commonly as Lilial, is a synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics and personal care products like lotions, deodorants, hair products, perfumes, and more. It has a floral scent reminiscent of lily of the valley.
The EU ban on BMHCA in cosmetics
In May 2019, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded that using BMHCA as a fragrance in cosmetic products is unsafe. They were concerned about the possibility of harm to the reproductive system when products with BMHCA are used together. They shared these findings in a lengthy 68-page SCCS Opinion on p-BMHCA. BMHCA is harmful to the reproductive system, affecting fertility and posing risk to an unborn child’s health. It could also lead to skin sensitisation and is being studied as a substance that could disrupt the endocrine (hormone) system.
As a result, the Cosmetics Regulation was updated in October 2021, and BMHCA was banned per March 2022. From that time onward, cosmetics containing BMHCA had to be taken off the store shelves in the EU. Yet a stunning number of over 1500 cosmetic products containing BMHCA have been recalled in the past 2 years, according to the alerts on Safety Gate.
This prohibited substance can be found on both lesser-known, cheaper brands and well-known, trusted cosmetic brands.
BMHCA is also used found in household cleaning agents, but the EU ban affects cosmetic products only.
How to identify BMHCA?
The ingredient was allowed in the past, and its presence must be mentioned together with the other ingredients. That is why it is easy to spot the now prohibited substance in the recalled products – it is right there on the product itself! This substance can be found in the ingredient list on the cosmetic product under the name Butylphenyl Methylpropional.
In summary: Avoid using shampoo, hand soap or any cosmetics, if the ingredient list mentions BMHCA, even if it can be rinsed off.
Notification of Unsafe Non-Food Consumer Products
If you are a manufacturer, distributor or importer and you discover that your product is unsafe, you can submit your notification through the European Product Safety Business Alert Gateway or contact the responsible national authorities.
