BMHCA (Butylphenyl methylpropional)

CAS NUMBER: 80-54-6, also known by the common name Lilial

Questa molecola aromatica è da molto oggetto di controversa classificazione. Nell’ottobre del 2012 è stata proposta la classificazione del Butylphenyl Methylpropional come CMR2 senza però giungere ad alcuna formalizzazione.

In the Opinion published by SCCS, the European Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety, at the end of 2017, the conclusions of the previous 2015 opinion were reiterated, namely that "the genotoxicity potential of BMHCA cannot be excluded and therefore, it cannot be concluded that BMHCA is safe."

Also SCCS (Scientific Committees on Consumer Safety), on May 10, 2019 published the Final Opinion "OPINION ON the safety of Butylphenyl methylpropional (p-BMHCA) in cosmetic products - Submission II ,SCCS/1591/17 " in which the conclusion is that Butylphenyl methylpropional, on an individual basis, can be considered safe at the concentrations under consideration when used as a fragrance in various leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products. However, considering the aggregate exposure resulting from the joint use of different product types, BMHCA at the concentrations proposed by IFRA cannot be considered safe. This opinion is also not applicable to the use of p-BMHCA in sprayable products that could lead to exposure of the consumer's lung by inhalation."

In addition, SCCS adds among the considerations that Butylphenyl methylpropional is also used as a fragrance ingredient in some non-cosmetic products such as household cleaners and detergents. Because specific exposure data were not available to assess exposure as a result of these non-cosmetic uses, it was not possible to include them in the aggregate exposure scenarios. Therefore, the total actual consumer exposure may be higher than the exposure from cosmetic products alone.

During the Cosmetics Working Group Meeting held in Brussels on November 28, 2019 at Directorate General GROWTH, various topics were discussed and it emerged that this ingredient, present in fragrances, will likely be classified CMR1 and not being defended by the industry will be banned in one of the next Omnibus Acts. The decision making process is in progress; in fact even if RAC (Risk Assessment Committee) has expressed a favorable opinion for the classification, it has not yet been translated in an ATP to CLP. It is speculated that Butylphenyl methylpropional should be included in the 15th ATP, which in turn should be published before summer 2020 and apply 18 months later.