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Ingredient deep-dive

Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial): Is It a Microplastic?

High concernPlasticiser / chemical of concern

Synthetic floral fragrance ingredient banned in EU cosmetics from 2022 after classification as a reproductive toxicant. Not a plastic, but a good test of whether a brand keeps its formulas current.

Where it appears

  • Legacy fragranced products
  • Detergents and softeners
  • Imported cosmetics

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Banned in cosmetics since March 2022.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Fragrance-free products
  • EU-compliant reformulated versions

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Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial), common questions

Is Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial) a microplastic?

Yes. Synthetic floral fragrance ingredient banned in EU cosmetics from 2022 after classification as a reproductive toxicant. Not a plastic, but a good test of whether a brand keeps its formulas current.

Is Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial) banned?

EU: Banned in cosmetics since March 2022. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial)?

Cleaner alternatives include: Fragrance-free products; EU-compliant reformulated versions.

What products contain Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial)?

Commonly found in: Legacy fragranced products; Detergents and softeners; Imported cosmetics.

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