Is Lilial banned in cosmetics?

Yes, butylphenyl methylpropional, sold under the trade name Lilial, was banned from cosmetic products in the EU starting March 2022. It was classified as toxic to reproduction (reprotoxic, category 1B) based on animal studies. Products manufactured and sold in the EU after that date should not contain it, though it remains permitted in some other markets.

Why was Lilial banned if it was used for decades?

Lilial was a widely used synthetic fragrance for many years, but improved toxicology testing revealed reproductive toxicity in animal studies. The EU's assessment determined the evidence was strong enough to classify it as reprotoxic and restrict its use as a precautionary measure. This reflects how safety assessments evolve as scientific evidence accumulates.

Can I still find Lilial in beauty products I buy?

Lilial should not appear in cosmetics manufactured and sold in the EU after March 2022. However, older stock or products made in other regions where it remains permitted may still contain it. Check the ingredient list under its INCI name, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, or look for its trade name Lilial on the label.

fragrance

Butylphenyl Methylpropional

Restricted·Strong evidence

Butylphenyl methylpropional, widely sold under the trade name Lilial, was banned from cosmetics in the EU starting March 2022 after being classified as toxic to reproduction based on animal studies. Products made and sold in the EU after that date should no longer contain it.

Worth knowing

EU-labelled fragrance allergen
Known contact sensitizer for some
Restricted in the EU

Banned in EU cosmetic products since March 2022 under CMR (reprotoxic category 1B) classification; still permitted in some other markets.

Gentler alternatives

Questions

Is Lilial banned in cosmetics?: Yes, butylphenyl methylpropional, sold under the trade name Lilial, was banned from cosmetic products in the EU starting March 2022. It was classified as toxic to reproduction (reprotoxic, category 1B) based on animal studies. Products manufactured and sold in the EU after that date should not contain it, though it remains permitted in some other markets.
Why was Lilial banned if it was used for decades?: Lilial was a widely used synthetic fragrance for many years, but improved toxicology testing revealed reproductive toxicity in animal studies. The EU's assessment determined the evidence was strong enough to classify it as reprotoxic and restrict its use as a precautionary measure. This reflects how safety assessments evolve as scientific evidence accumulates.
Can I still find Lilial in beauty products I buy?: Lilial should not appear in cosmetics manufactured and sold in the EU after March 2022. However, older stock or products made in other regions where it remains permitted may still contain it. Check the ingredient list under its INCI name, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, or look for its trade name Lilial on the label.

Products with Butylphenyl Methylpropional

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.