Lilial (BMHCA) in cosmetics: why it's flagged
Short answer
Lilial (BMHCA) is flagged by Olive Detective as a moderate concern in cosmetics. Fragrance ingredient; reprotoxic — banned in EU cosmetics from 2022. The flag is class-level and precautionary, based on EU Regulation 2021/1902 (CMR) — it describes the ingredient class, not the safety of any particular product.
What the concern is
- Allergen — a recognised contact-allergy or sensitisation risk.
- Endocrine concern — the class has been examined for hormone-disrupting activity.
How it appears on an INCI list
Cosmetic labels use INCI names, which are standardised worldwide, so the same wording appears on a product bought anywhere. This class is matched on butylphenyl methylpropional, lilial.
How it affects the score
Cosmetic scoring follows the Yuka method: a product with only green and yellow ingredients has its score floored at 50, any orange ingredient caps it below 50, and any red caps it below 25. This ingredient is orange, so it caps a product's score below 50 on its own.
Source: EU Regulation 2021/1902 (CMR)
Other cosmetic ingredients we flag
Keep reading
Start eating cleaner today.
Your next grocery run is the perfect time to try it. Scan a few things — free for 7 days.
7-day free trial · cancel anytime.