The Lilial Scent: Fragrances That Feature This Captivating Note

Lilial, also known as butylphenyl methylpropional, is a widely used fragrance compound found naturally in chamomile essential oil. It is also synthetically added to a variety of beauty products, including perfumes, shampoos, deodorants, tanning lotions, and hairstyling products, to impart a Lily of the Valley aroma. Despite its popularity, Lilial has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis and has been listed as a skin irritant. Due to concerns over its potential impact on fertility, it has been banned in the European Union, leading to the discontinuation or reformulation of many fragranced products. However, it is important to note that Lilial is still present in many products available in the United States and other countries outside the EU.

Lilial is a fragrance ingredient also known as butylphenyl methylpropional

Lilial, or butylphenyl methylpropional, is a widely used fragrance compound found naturally in chamomile essential oil. It is also synthetically added to a variety of beauty products, including perfumes, shampoos, deodorants, tanning lotions, and hairstyling products. The compound is valued for its Lily of the Valley aroma. However, it has been classified as a reproductive toxicant, with animal studies indicating potential links to infertility. As a result, the European Union banned the use of Lilial in cosmetics from March 2022.

Despite its hazards, the fragrance industry has shown reluctance to conduct comprehensive research on its effects on human health. This has led to a knowledge gap regarding the impact of consumer products containing Lilial on infertility rates. While the industry placed some restrictions on its use in cosmetics, they continue to sell products containing this ingredient. In contrast, the EU took a more stringent approach by enforcing a ban to safeguard public health.

The presence of Lilial in products is not always explicitly stated on ingredient labels due to outdated laws. However, consumers can check the ingredient listings and look for "butylphenyl methylpropional" or Lilial itself. If the label only mentions "fragrance" without further details, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer to inquire about the presence of Lilial in their products.

Several brands and products still contain Lilial in the United States, where there is currently no ban on its use. Examples include personal care items from Dove, Axe, Matrix Biolage, Giorgio Armani, L'oreal, Batiste, and more. Home care products like Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, Fabuloso All-Purpose Cleaner, and Windex Original Glass Cleaner also fall into this category.

With increasing awareness of the potential risks associated with Lilial, consumers can make informed choices about the products they use. While the fragrance industry adapts to new regulations, it is essential to stay updated on product ingredients to ensure they align with individual preferences and comfort levels regarding potentially harmful substances.

It is used in many beauty products, including perfumes, deodorants, and hairstyling products

Lilial, or Butylphenyl Methylpropional, is a widely used fragrance compound found naturally in chamomile essential oil. It is also produced synthetically and added to a variety of beauty products, including perfumes, deodorants, hairstyling products, shampoos, tanning lotions, and more. The synthetic form of Lilial is particularly prized for its Lily of the Valley aroma, which gives products a floral scent.

In addition to its use in beauty products, Lilial is also commonly found in laundry powders, cosmetic preparations, and cleaning products. It is used in such diverse products primarily due to its pleasant scent, which can mask less desirable odours.

Despite its popularity, Lilial has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to concerns over its potential impact on fertility. Animal studies have indicated that Lilial may be a reproductive toxicant, leading to infertility. As a result, the European Union banned the use of Lilial in cosmetics and other fragranced items in March 2022.

However, in the United States and other countries outside the EU, Lilial continues to be legal in cosmetics, cleaning products, and fragranced items. Examples of products that still contain Lilial in the US include personal care items such as Dove soap, Axe fragrances, and L'Oreal moisturizers, as well as home care products like Tide laundry detergent and Windex cleaner.

With growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with Lilial, consumers are encouraged to check ingredient listings on their products. If the label only lists "fragrance" without specifics, consumers can contact the manufacturer to inquire about the presence of Lilial.

It was banned in the EU in March 2022 due to links with infertility in animal studies

The fragrance ingredient Lilial, or Butylphenyl Methylpropional, was banned in the EU in March 2022. This decision came after the ingredient was linked to infertility in animal studies. The ban was enforced by the European Commission, which published the Omnibus Act IV in November 2021, prohibiting the use of 23 cosmetic ingredients, including Lilial.

Lilial is a widely used fragrance compound found naturally in chamomile essential oil and is also used synthetically in beauty products such as perfumes, shampoos, deodorants, and hairstyling products. Its lily-of-the-valley aroma is particularly favoured in fine fragrances.

The decision to ban Lilial was not taken lightly, and the process began as early as 2014 when the EU officially listed Lilial as a restricted product. In 2015, the SCCS, the EU body responsible for reviewing the safety of cosmetic ingredients, concluded that Lilial was not safe for use in cosmetic leave-on and rinse-off products. This conclusion was based on the potential risks associated with exposure to Lilial, including its classification as a "carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic" substance.

The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety further emphasised the dangers of Lilial, stating that the proposed concentrations of Lilial cannot be considered safe, especially when multiple product types containing Lilial are used simultaneously. This is of particular concern as the average person uses almost a dozen products daily, leading to repeated exposure to various unique ingredients. While some ingredients may be safe, others, like Lilial, can have negative health impacts.

As a result of the ban, manufacturers have had to remove products containing Lilial from shelves in the EU market and have been developing new products with alternative ingredients to replace Lilial.

It is still found in many products in the US, including fragrances, hair care, and skincare

Lilial, or Butylphenyl Methylpropional, is a widely used fragrance compound found naturally in chamomile essential oil. It is also synthetically added to a variety of beauty products, including perfumes, shampoos, deodorants, tanning lotions, and hairstyling products, primarily for its Lily of the Valley aroma.

Despite being a known fragrance allergen and links to infertility in animal studies, Lilial is still found in many products in the US. This includes fragrances, hair care, skincare, and other personal care products. For instance, the popular hair product Olaplex (until recently) contained Lilial. Other examples of products that contain Lilial in the US include:

• Dove (bar soap, shampoo, conditioner)
• Axe Daily Fragrance (numerous scents)
• Matrix Biolage Colorlast Shampoo
• Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Eau de Toillette for Him
• Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
• L’oreal Superior Preference Permanent Hair Color
• L’oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream
• Batiste Dry Shampoo (Bare)
• Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette
• Softsheen-Carson Hair Relaxer Super Strength
• Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion

Although the EU officially listed Lilial as a restricted product in 2014 and banned its use in cosmetics from March 2022, there is currently no ban on Lilial in the US. It is still legal to sell cosmetics, cleaning products, and any other fragranced items containing Lilial in the country. However, consumers concerned about the potential impact of Lilial on fertility can check product ingredient listings for "butylphenyl methylpropional" or contact manufacturers to inquire about the presence of Lilial in their products.

Some alternatives to Lilial include Florosa, Pyranol, and Florol/Florosa

Lilial, or Butylphenyl Methylpropional, is a fragrance compound found naturally in chamomile essential oil. It is widely used in beauty products such as perfumes, shampoos, deodorants, and hairstyling products for its Lily of the Valley aroma. However, due to serious environmental issues and its potential to cause sensitization, the use of Lilial has been restricted, particularly in the EU. As a result, companies have been seeking alternative ingredients with similar aromatic properties. Some alternatives to Lilial include Florosa, Pyranol, and Florol/Florosa.

Florosa

Florosa is a close substitute for Lilial in terms of aroma, resembling the scent of lilies and aldehydes. It has been favoured by major fragrance companies such as P&G due to its simplicity in production, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. Florosa is stable and long-lasting, making it suitable for use in various products like perfumes, creams, and soaps. Its chemical name is 2-(2-methylpropyl)-4-hydroxy-4-methyltetrahydropyran, and it appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid.

Pyranol and Florol/Florosa

Pyranol, also known as Florol or Florosa, is a chemically stable compound with a creamy aroma of lily-of-the-valley. It blends well with floral notes of roses and lilies, making it a versatile ingredient in perfumery. Pyranol can be used in almost all types of perfumes due to its excellent chemical stability.

The shift towards alternatives to Lilial, such as Florosa, Pyranol, and Florol/Florosa, is driven by the desire to address the environmental and sensitization concerns associated with Lilial. These alternatives offer similar aromatic profiles while being more sustainable and safer for consumers.

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