Olaplex: Fragrance-Free Or Not?

Olaplex's hair mask has been the subject of controversy over its use of a synthetic fragrance called butylphenyl methylpropional, or lilial. The additive was linked to fertility risks and banned from cosmetics by the EU in 2020. Olaplex has since reformulated its hair mask, removing lilial from the product. However, almost every one of Olaplex's products contains fragrance (parfum) and some consumers have expressed concerns about the potential health risks of these ingredients.

Olaplex's hair mask used to contain a small amount of a synthetic fragrance called butylphenyl methylpropional, or lilial

Olaplex representatives have stated that the way the company used lilial as a fragrance, nonfunctional and not active, means that it should not cause infertility, miscarriages, or disruptions in foetus development. However, consumers who use Olaplex expressed concern on social media after the ingredient was linked to a risk of fertility problems.

It is worth noting that almost every one of Olaplex's products contains fragrance (parfum). The term "fragrance" or "parfum" on a cosmetic ingredients list usually represents a complex mixture of dozens of chemicals.

Lilial was banned by the EU in September 2020 due to its potential to be harmful to fertility and fetal development

Olaplex products contain fragrance, also known as parfum. The brand's No. 3 Hair Perfector mask used to include a small amount of a synthetic fragrance called butylphenyl methylpropional, or lilial. Lilial was banned by the EU in September 2020 due to its potential to be harmful to fertility and fetal development.

Lilial is a synthetic scent ingredient that mimics the aroma of lily of the valley. It can be listed by many names, including butylphenyl methylpropional (p-BMHCA), 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, lysmeral, and lily aldehyde. It is found naturally in chamomile essential oil, and can be extracted or made in a lab to be used for its signature scent. Lilial is typically used in very small doses.

Olaplex representatives have stated that the ingredient was used as a fragrance, nonfunctional and not active, and therefore should not cause infertility, miscarriages, or disruptions in fetus development. However, a review by the European Union's consumer safety regulators concluded that adding up small exposures over time could pose a health risk, particularly for individuals trying to conceive. The EU officially labelled lilial as a reprotoxic in September 2020, with a March 2022 deadline for phasing out all products containing the chemical.

Olaplex has since reformulated its No. 3 Hair Perfector mask to remove lilial

Olaplex has reformulated its No. 3 Hair Perfector mask following an EU ban on a previous ingredient. The additive, lilial, was linked to fertility risks and banned from cosmetics. The company phased out the ingredient globally "out of an abundance of caution".

The formula for the hair mask used to include a small amount of a synthetic fragrance called butylphenyl methylpropional, or lilial. Although the additive is non-toxic if used sparingly, a review by the European Union's consumer safety regulators concluded that adding up small exposures over time could pose a health risk, particularly for individuals trying to conceive. The EU officially labelled lilial as a "reprotoxic" substance in September 2020, with a March 2022 deadline for phasing out all products containing the chemical.

Olaplex representatives wrote in an Instagram caption that the ingredient was used as a fragrance, nonfunctional and not active, and therefore should not cause infertility, miscarriages, or disruptions in foetal development.

Consumers who use Olaplex expressed concern on social media after an ingredient in the brand's No. 3 Hair Perfector mask was linked to a risk of fertility problems. Olaplex is the only brand that has publicly addressed phasing out lilial, but it's among many others that have used the additive in cosmetics, skincare, and other personal care products.

Olaplex representatives have denied that the fragrance causes infertility, miscarriages, or disruptions in fetus development

Olaplex representatives have denied that the fragrance causes infertility, miscarriages, or disruptions in foetal development. In an Instagram caption, they wrote:

> The way Olaplex diligently used the ingredient as a fragrance, nonfunctional and not active, it should not cause infertility, miscarriages, or disruptions in foetus development.

The ingredient in question is a synthetic fragrance called butylphenyl methylpropional, or lilial. The additive is non-toxic if used sparingly, but a review by the European Union's consumer safety regulators concluded that adding up small exposures over time could pose a health risk, particularly for individuals trying to conceive. The EU officially labelled lilial as a "reprotoxic" in September 2020, meaning it can be harmful to fertility and foetal development. Olaplex has since phased out the ingredient globally "out of an abundance of caution".

Some consumers have complained that Olaplex's fragrance (parfum) triggers migraines

Olaplex's hair products contain a fragrance called butylphenyl methylpropional, or lilial. Although the additive is non-toxic if used sparingly, a review by the European Union's consumer safety regulators concluded that adding up small exposures over time could pose a health risk, particularly for individuals trying to conceive. The EU officially labelled lilial as a "reprotoxic" substance, meaning it can be harmful to fertility and fetal development.

Olaplex has since removed lilial from its products, but consumers have complained that the fragrance in its products triggers migraines. One user on Reddit wrote: "FYI almost every one of the Olaplex products contains fragrance (parfum) in them. The term “fragrance” or “parfum” on a cosmetic ingredients list usually represents a complex mixture of dozens of chemicals." The user goes on to say that they experienced multi-day headaches after using Olaplex products, and that they have seen similar complaints on other forums.

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