Perfume buyers in the UK are being urged to check recent purchases after two designer fragrances were found to contain a banned chemical linked to reproductive harm. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent recall of Hello by Lionel Richie and Hot by United Colours of Benetton, both sold through the discount retailer Savers.
The affected products contain butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), also known as lilial, a synthetic floral scent that was widely used in cosmetics and personal care items until it was banned across the UK and EU. Health officials say the compound, once common for its lily of the valley aroma, presents a serious chemical risk.
Banned Ingredient Still Found in Recalled Perfumes
The OPSS recall states that Hello and Hot fragrances contain BMHCA, a substance prohibited in cosmetic products under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 due to its toxicity to reproductive health. The chemical has been found to potentially harm the health of unborn children and may cause skin sensitisation, according to the Office for Product Safety and Standards.
The fragrance compound was legally used in the UK and EU until March 2022. Since then, it has been classified as unsafe for use in cosmetics after evaluations determined that it may impair fertility and pose risks during pregnancy. Despite the ban, the two fragrances recalled this week were still found to contain the compound.
According to the OPSS, “The products present a serious chemical risk as they contain butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA/lilial), which is prohibited in cosmetic products.” The recall applies only to products sold at Savers Health and Beauty locations and is limited to specific barcodes, which have been listed in official notices.
Customers are being asked to return the affected items to Savers stores for a full refund. A spokesperson for Savers said the company “would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused” and confirmed that the products have now been withdrawn from sale.
Specific Products and Barcodes Affected in Recall
The recall includes several versions of Hello by Lionel Richie, both the Homme and Femme editions, in 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml sizes. All affected products have identifiable barcodes:
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE FEMME 50ML EDP 5060426154546 / 15060426154543
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE HOMME 50ML EDT 5060426154447 / 15060426154451
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE FEMME 100ML EDP 5060426154522 / 05060426154539
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE HOMME 100ML EDT 5060426154423 / 05060426154430
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE FEMME 30ML EDP 5060426154461 / 05060426154478
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE HOMME 30ML EDT 5060426154560 / 05060426154577
Hot by United Colours of Benetton in the 100ml Eau de Toilette size is also listed in the recall, under barcodes 3605473198178, 715387003000, and 08002135090361. According to the recall notice, only purchases made at Savers are included, and customers uncertain about their products are advised to contact the retailer directly.
The initial warning from OPSS was issued in late 2025, but the full recall was only enacted this week. The chemical’s presence on the ingredient labels of the recalled perfumes indicates a breach of safety regulations, despite the industry-wide ban now being in place for nearly four years.
According to the recall issued by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, “Only products purchased in Savers Health and Beauty stores with the barcodes listed are affected by this recall.” Consumers are encouraged to verify their purchases and stop using the products if they match the affected batches.
