Warning: Ingredient in Olaplex No. 3 Linked to Infertility and Harm to Unborn Babies

European Union Bans All Cosmetics Containing Ingredient Lilial  

The woman’s hair care product Olaplex No. 3 has been beloved in the beauty industry by hair care fanatics and beauty product junkies alike. However, after it was revealed that the formula contains butylphenyl methylpropional, commonly known as “Lilial,” customers are leaving Olaplex on the shelves (or in the trash). Despite the inherent risks associated with exposure to Lilial, neither the name of the ingredient, nor a warning about its potential harm were included on the bottle. That’s because Lilial is considered a “fragrance.” Fragrance is used as a general term that often encompasses hundreds of smaller ingredients within it, and is generally not required to be disclosed to customers. This means customers really have no clue what are in their products if they contain any type of fragrance. 

The EU banned all cosmetic products containing lilial commencing March 2022 after the European Commission reported that butylphenyl methylpropional (referred to as “Repr. 1B’) was toxic to reproduction and poses risks to fertility. The report designates the ingredient as “reprotoxic,” meaning it is harmful to reproductive organs and fetal development. 

However, this isn’t groundbreaking news. A 2019 report concluded that Lilial should not be considered safe for use. Interestingly, the use of Lilial isn’t restricted to beauty products. In fact, it also is commonly used in household cleaners, detergents, paints, shoe polishes, building products, and other products that are scented. 

After the EU regulation was announced, Olaplex stated that starting in March, 2022, their No. 3 Hair Perfector will no longer contain Lilial. However, the ingredient is still present in recently purchased bottles of Olaplex No. 3, and in previously distributed bottles since the product’s creation in 2014. It is unclear whether the company will choose to update the product formula for bottles sold in the United States.

While Olaplex representatives claim the small amounts of Lilial in their product will not impact fertility, it has been reported that long term and repeated exposure to Lilial could. This is especially alarming when taking into consideration how common it is for popular beauty, skincare, and household products to contain Lilial disguised as a fragrance. 

Unfortunately, in the US, the use of Lilial and other harmful ingredients classified as fragrances are still unrestricted. If you have experienced fertility problems after using the product Olaplex, or any other product containing Lilial or another fragrance, consulting with a products liability attorney can be a critical stage to understanding your legal rights. 

If you have experienced infertility after using Olaplex, or were harmed by another product, those involved in manufacturing and selling the products may owe you compensation. Call our experienced injury attorneys for your free consultation to learn about your legal rights. Call us at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333), or simply dial #WIN (#946) from your mobile phone. Alternatively, you can complete a Free Case Evaluation Form or contact us using our Free 24-hour live chat.

Sources: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/lilial-ingredient-ban-olaplex