November 23, 2024, Quezon City. As the Christmas gifting season approaches, environmental and health watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition will issue a series of direct product safety alerts to inform consumers of what to avoid.

What not to give this Christmas – Toxic perfumes containing butylyphenyl methylpropional, a reproductive toxicant.

For its initial “What Not to Give This Christmas” alert, the EcoWaste Coalition urged consumers to avoid aftershaves, colognes, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, perfumes and others perfumes containing butylphenyl methylpropional or 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA or p-BMHCA) as an ingredient.

At the end of a grace period of 24 months, cosmetics containing the above perfume will no longer be available on the market as of November 21, 2024 and will be withdrawn as indicated in circular no. 2023-007 of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

BMHCA or p-BMHCA is classified by the European Union (EU) as “reprotoxic”, that is, a substance that poses a serious threat to the fertility of women and men and harms the reproductive process.

According to the EU, it is “harmful to the reproductive system, affecting fertility and posing a risk to the health of the unborn child”. This fragrance ingredient is also associated with allergies, contact dermatitis and endocrine disruption.

According to the group’s market surveillance, perfumery products containing this banned ingredient have not yet been withdrawn from the market. It’s also not uncommon for some stores to offer “buy one, get one” promotions to increase the disposal of their unsold inventory.

If you’re considering gifting fragrances this Christmas, here are some tips from the EcoWaste Coalition:

As the ban takes effect on November 21, 2024, the EcoWaste Coalition reminds consumers to read the ingredient list carefully and avoid items containing butylphenyl methylpropional, a toxic fragrance.

The EcoWaste Coalition advises consumers to demand access to labeling information, even when purchasing a product, getting one at a discount.

1. Never buy a product without examining the information on the label.
2. Beware of imitation products. Common red flags: too cheap to be true, misleading brand name, misspellings, sloppy labeling, and shoddy packaging.
3. Review the ingredient list. Reject those that list butylphenyl methylpropional, 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, lilial, lily aldehyde, or lysmeral as an ingredient.
4. Be careful with BOGO (buy one, get one) promotions, especially if items are covered or linked together and the ingredient list cannot be read.
5. Obtain an official receipt and keep it in case you need to return or replace the item.

Important: Butylmethylphenylpropional may also be found in other FDA-regulated products, including body oils; deodorant cream, roll-on, spray and stick; face cream; hair and body cleanser; styling gels, mousses, sprays and mousses for hair; hand and nail cream; lotion; Moisturizing cream; shampoo and conditioner; skin toner; soap; sun protection products and more.

To all consumers: Make a habit of reading the list of ingredients before making any purchase. You have the right to information and of course the right to security.

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