Skincare Product Pulled From Shelves Over Serious Health Risks

A skincare brand has been forced to stop distribution of one of their products after it was found to contain prohibited ingredients.

Following an investigation into a number of products distributed across Ireland, the European Commission and HPRA has ordered the removal of Glow & Lovely Advanced Multi Vitamin Serum in Cream from the market.

The European Commission stated: “According to the list of ingredients, the product contains 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA), which is prohibited in cosmetic products.

“BMHCA may harm the reproductive system, may harm the health of the unborn child and may cause skin sensitisation.”

Distributors have been advised to take appropriate actions to stop the products from being sold in Ireland.

They discovered that the product does not comply with Cosmetic Products Regulation.

The HPRA website said: “This safety notice highlights cosmetic products notified through the European Safety Gate system relevant to the Irish market.  

“The products are listed in the European Safety Gate system because they could be harmful to consumer health or safety.”

This order was put into force on 16/11/2025 and published on the European Commission’s website on 9/4/2026.

BMHCA, also known as 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde or commonly as Lilial, is a synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics and personal care products like lotions, deodorants, hair products, and perfumes.

As a result of findings from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) into the dangers of BMHCA, the Cosmetics Regulation was updated in October 2021, and BMHCA was banned per March 2022.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in the UK has also issued a safety alert for this product to remove it from the market.

Glow & Lovely products are distributed by a number of companies across Ireland.

The Aesthetics Magazine has contacted the manufacturer Unilever for a comment.