Ingredient

Butylphenyl Methylpropional

A synthetic aroma chemical, commonly known as Lilial, with a strong floral lily-of-the-valley (muguet) scent that was used to add fragrance.

Key facts

INCI name: Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Evidence grade: moderate evidence
In our catalog: Found in 58 of the 2,588 products we've decoded
Reviewed: July 2, 2026

Shop products with this →or browse all in the catalog

Similar ingredients

others that do something alike

BHA exfoliant

An oil-soluble (BHA) exfoliant that clears pores from the inside; the go-to for blackheads.

Vitamin C

Pure vitamin C; an antioxidant that brightens and supports collagen.

Caffeine

Temporarily de-puffs and brightens the look of tired skin and under-eyes.

Azelaic Acid

Calms redness and fades post-acne marks; one of the few actives considered pregnancy-friendly.

Good to know

Fragrance allergencaution

One of the fragrance compounds the EU requires to be declared, because a minority of people react to it.

What it does

moderate evidence

It is BANNED from cosmetics in the EU as of March 2022 after being classified as a CMR substance toxic to reproduction; it is also a recognised fragrance allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in some people.

Benefits

Historically added a lily-of-the-valley floral note to a formula (now banned in EU cosmetics)

Side effects

Banned in EU cosmetics since March 2022 as a CMR substance (toxic to reproduction)
Can cause allergic contact dermatitis (redness, itch, rash) in fragrance-sensitised people

Who it's for

No one in the EU - it is prohibited in cosmetic products; otherwise only those wanting scent who are not fragrance-sensitive.

Who should be careful

Everyone should avoid it in cosmetics (EU-banned as a reproductive toxicant); especially people with fragrance allergy or a known reaction to this allergen.

Researched & reviewed · July 2, 2026