Butylphenyl methylpropional

Butylphenyl methylpropional, or BMHCA, is the ingredient most commonly found in eau de toilette, perfume, body care products, shampoos, cleansers and other hygiene products. This organic substance with the chemical formula C14H20O is also known commercially as Lilial, Lilial aldehyde or Butylbenzyl Methylpropional. It was originally developed by the French perfume company Firmenich in Switzerland and is a popular ingredient in many perfumes and fragrances with its characteristic jasmine and lily aroma with a green component.

However, it should be mentioned that Butylphenyl methylpropional has aroused some controversy in the field of medical research. Some studies have shown that this substance can be allergenic, and some health authorities claim that it could cause dermatitis. This has led to the inclusion of butylphenyl methylpropional in the list of substances whose use is possible, but under clearly defined conditions. In the United States, it is one of the substances that are approved for use in food as a flavouring agent by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But in the European Union, it has been banned in newly manufactured cosmetic products since 2019 due to its potential toxicity, and further tests and studies are still underway to definitively resolve its safety and other uses.