Two Contaminated perfumes urgently recalled in UK over banned ingredient that ‘can damage your fertility’

Two designer perfumes have been urgently recalled across the UK because they were found to contain a prohibited chemical ingredient known to pose serious health risks — especially related to fertility and unborn children. 

Which Perfumes Are Affected?

The recall covers:

• Hello by Lionel Richie (multiple sizes/versions)

• Hot by United Colours of Benetton (100 ml EDT)
  Both were sold through the UK discount retailer Savers Health and Beauty. 

Why the Recall?

The products were found to contain butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA) — also known as lilial — a synthetic fragrance ingredient that is banned in cosmetic products across the UK and EU. 

This substance has been classified as:

• Toxic to reproductive health

• Capable of harming the unborn child

• A skin sensitiser
  Those are some of the reasons it’s banned under UK cosmetic safety regulations. 

Official Advice for Consumers

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) — the UK authority overseeing consumer goods safety — has told customers to:

Stop using the products immediately
Return them to the Savers store where they were bought
Get a full refund
Only the perfumes bought from Savers with specific barcodes included in the recall are affected. 

If you’re unsure whether your bottle is part of the recall, Savers Health and Beauty has said customers can contact them directly for help.

Why Is This Ingredient Dangerous?

Butylphenyl methylpropional (lilial) was once widely used as a floral fragrance ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics because it gives a lily-like scent. However:

• Scientific bodies have long classified it as “reprotoxic” — meaning it can damage fertility or harm fetal development.

• This led regulators across the UK and EU to ban its use in personal care products back in 2022. 

Broader Safety Picture

Regulators continue to issue reminders to manufacturers and retailers that any products with lilial/BMHCA should be removed from shelves and recalled if already sold. This action reflects ongoing concern about potential health impacts from long-term exposure, particularly for pregnant women, those planning pregnancy, and people with sensitive skin.