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EcoWaste Coalition warns of gifting illegal perfumes
By J.Lo
“Our investigation shows cosmetics containing BMHCA can still be found on store shelves despite ban, and sold to consumers unaware of health risks of being exposed to such ingredient,” EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero said in statement thinking of gifting perfumes this Heart’s Day, environmental watchdog warned public against purchasing fragrances containing toxic, banned chemical “reprotoxic.”
EcoWaste Coalition found sale of illegal perfumes has become growing concern, as they contain synthetic fragrances with chemicals banned by Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
During test purchase on February 2 and 3, EcoWaste Coalition bought 35 assorted products from 16 brands believed to be imitations or counterfeit listed butylphenyl methylpropional among their ingredients.
Also known as BMHCA, p-BMHCA, lilial, lily aldehyde, lysmeral, or 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, chemical is commonly used for its floral scent.
Under FDA Circular 2023-007, it was banned starting Nov. 21, 2024, prohibiting sale and distribution of cosmetic products containing compound.
Purchased products included perfumes, fragrance lotions, fragrance mists and body mists, sold in various scents and sizes for P75 to P300 each. EcoWaste said these were bought from wholesale and retail stores in Makati, Manila, and Quezon City.
She explained exposure to synthetic fragrance poses risks to women’s reproductive health, particularly pregnant women, and could also harm unborn child.
European Union (EU) banned chemical in March 2022 after it was classified as allergen linked to skin and eye irritation. Decision was based on 2017 review by Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
Environmental health specialist and doctor Geminn Louis Apostol said synthetic compound has also been linked to infertility and hormonal disruption.
EcoWaste has already informed FDA about its findings and urged government to hold importers, distributors and sellers of BMHCA-containing cosmetics accountable.
“Banning BMHCA is indeed step in right direction…as there are other synthetic fragrance chemicals of concern, it’s important to require full ingredient disclosure or transparency to inform consumers and reduce potential exposure to harmful substances,” Apostol said.
EcoWaste Coalition also advised consumers to check FDA website for list of banned ingredients in cosmetic products to avoid potential health risks.
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