From 1st March 2022, cosmetic and personal care products containing BMHCA/Lilial cannot be sold on the EU and NI market.

Such products can continue to be sold in the UK, since an official date to ban sales of products containing the ingredient is still being reviewed under the UK Cosmetic Regulation.

“There is minimal need for any concern if you’ve been using the existing Olaplex formula, this ingredient has been used in cosmetics and household care products for many years and the chances of the ingredient affecting fertility is extremely low. Olaplex are making the change as a precautionary measure, however, if you have any concerns with any products you should stop using them immediately and speak with a health professional.

There is also no need to worry that your beloved product will be any different with the new formula as the ingredient in question is only used for fragrance purposes, the product will remain the same, just the smell will be slightly different.”

Mehmet Goker, Dermatology Specialist at Vera Clinic.