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Following its prohibition in Europe in 2022, Lilial has now been banned from use in New Zealand cosmetics. This synthetic fragrance has been commonly found in perfumes, hair products, and even some self-tanning products.

Why has Lilial been banned?

Research has shown that exposure to Lilial can negatively affect fertility, earning it the classification of “toxic for reproduction.” It can also cause dermatitis and skin irritation in some people. While Lilial is still permitted in certain non-cosmetic products, the concern with cosmetics is the potential for layering effects – for example, using a body lotion and a perfume containing Lilial could increase health risks over time.

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Which products contain Lilial?

While researching for this post I discovered a large number of products in the New Zealand market currently contain this ingredient. There are lily-scented perfumes, self-tanning products, pressed powders, hair masks, shampoos, foundations... the list is large. To avoid it, it’s important to check ingredient lists carefully. Lilial may appear under several names, including:

- Butylphenyl Methylpropional
- 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)butanal
- 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde
- Lily aldehyde
- Lysmeral
- Benzenepropanol

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Is it completely banned now?

Well, these things take time. There are retailers with large amounts of stock and brands that will need time to reformulate. Any new manufacturing or importing of cosmetics containing Lilial is now banned, however retailers have until January 2027 to move on existing stock. This is why you may still find Lilial-containing products on the shelf in stores.

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Where did this information come from?

I was first alerted to this by Consumer NZ who have written a great article here: https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/lilial-is-now-banned-in-cosmetics-so-why-is-it-still-everywhere

When I reached out to the EPA for confirmation, I received a templated email directing me to their website, where regulations are buried in documents full of scientific jargon. It’s frustrating that this information has not been communicated to the public in an accessible way.

When pushed for further clarification I thankfully received a response - Lilial is listed in their documents only as '2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde'. I was also given a stern reminder that non-compliance is an offence 'under section 109 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996'.

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Why am I writing this blog post?

1. I don't want to use products that are bad for me, and I don't want to sell them! As a mother that has been through IVF, I also have a particular interest in chemicals that affect fertility.

2. There’s very little public information about this ban. Small businesses need clear guidance to stay compliant and do the right thing.

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What is Beauty Bliss doing?

Well we're getting rid of it, that's what! We don't want to sell products that contain a dangerous ingredient and we of course want to be 100% compliant with all regulations.

Regrettably we do still have some products that contain Lilial. While we legally have 10 months to keep selling them, we're clearing out Lilial-containing stock as fast as we can and will not be restocking. It is our hope that the more popular products will return reformulated with safer ingredients.

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No-one is talking about this! Where can I get more info?

• Consumer NZ has an excellent post, read it here: https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/lilial-is-now-banned-in-cosmetics-so-why-is-it-still-everywhere
• The EPA official document is called the Cosmetic Products Group Standard (CPGS). It's secondary legislation that regulates the import and manufacture of cosmetic products that are (or contain) hazardous substances in New Zealand.
  
  You can view it here: https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/RecordsAPI/Cosmetic-Products-Group-Standard-2020-HSR002552-Consolidated-and-current.pdf
  
  Lilial/butylphenyl methylpropional is listed under a different name in the CPGS – this is 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde. So, it's easier to search by the substance's CAS number as that is always consistent (CAS 80-54-6).