Ban of the fragrance ingredient Lilial

Lilial is a synthetic fragrance and is listed in INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) for cosmetic products as Butylphenyl Methylpropional. This fragrance is found not only in cosmetics and personal care products but also in various cleaning agents.

Increased allergy risk and reproductive toxicity

Like many fragrances, Lilial also has allergy-inducing properties, which are particularly concerning for individuals with contact allergies. Direct contact with the skin can cause itching or inflammation, among other reactions. However, the risk of an allergic reaction is not the sole reason for the ban. The substance exhibits reproductive toxicity.

Updates to the Reach (Registration Evaluation Authorisation Chemicals) and CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulations are now leading to far-reaching changes in the production of cosmetic products containing Lilial.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional will be banned in cosmetic products starting March 1, 2022, due to its classification as a reproductive toxicant, Repr. Cat. 1B, with the hazard statement H360Fd „May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.“ in the CLP Regulation and the publication of Regulation (EU) 2021/1902 in the Official Journal of the European Union. Specifically, this means that cosmetic products containing Lilial may no longer be offered on the Union market as of March 1, 2022.

No Lilial at Nölken since 2016

The EU Commission's scientific advisory panel has repeatedly pointed out since 2015 that the substance could potentially damage genetic material and that the safety of Lilial cannot be guaranteed.

Although the fragrance ingredient is classified as hazardous, it may still be used in cosmetic products and consumed by consumers until March 1, 2022. Furthermore, Lilial may continue to be used in products not covered by the Cosmetics Directive.

Since 2016, Nölken Hygiene Products GmbH has no longer used Butylphenyl Methylpropional in new projects, and existing formulations were successively revised from that point on to ensure the best possible protection for end consumers.

Nölken proactively incorporates new scientific findings on ingredients and materials from in-house experts and quickly integrates them into manufacturing and production. With the goal of offering a safe and flawless product, ingredients that pose potential risks are replaced with suitable alternatives, even if this is not yet required by current regulations and legislation.