An ingredient called lilial has been banned in the EU as of March 1 for its harmful effects on reproductivity.
In 2020, the EU set a deadline for all products with the ingredient to be pulled off shelves after it was classified as "reprotoxic" in a report.
The term reprotoxic means lilial has adverse effects on reproductivity and fertility.
Also known as butylphenyl methylpropional, the compound is found in everyday cosmetics and household products.
A ban in the UK is expected to follow "in the near future", according to a statement by the UK beauty industry group called the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA).
Haircare brand Olaplex said it has removed the ingredient from the Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, telling The Independent that they stopped selling products with lilial in January 2022.
Read on for more about lilial, its possible risks and why it was banned in the EU.
What is lilial?
Lilial is a compound naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
It's used in products for its fresh and floral scent that's similar to lily of the valley.
You can find it in beauty items like shampoos and perfumes, but also in laundry powders.
Although lilial is found in cosmetics and household products, the EU ban only forbids its use in cosmetics.
How do I check if products I have contain lilial?
News of the EU ban has spread on social media with users urging others to check their beauty products.
To check your cosmetics, look for lilial's chemical name on ingredient lists: butylphenyl methylpropional.
Why did the EU say lilial is toxic?
Lilial was classified as a CMR 'Repr. 1B' reprotoxic substance in a report published by the European Commission in May 2020.
CMR stands for carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic chemicals and they are the "most toxic" category of toxicity classes, according to EU legislation.
Why is lilial not banned in the UK?
The British beauty industry association CTPA released a statement in February 2022.
CTPA clarified that the ingredient is not legally banned in the UK, but added: "CTPA expects a ban on BMHCA/lilial to come into force in GB in the near future."
