LONDON, Friday 16 January 2026 — UK regulators have ordered an immediate recall of two popular perfumes after official testing revealed they contain a banned chemical substance that may pose risks to human health. The products involved — Hello by Lionel Richie and Hot by United Colours of Benetton — were sold solely through Savers Health and Beauty retail outlets across the country.
The UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has classified the issue as a serious chemical risk, stating that the fragrances contain butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA) — commonly known as Lilial. This synthetic fragrance compound has been prohibited in cosmetics because it may harm the reproductive system, pose risks to unborn children, and cause skin sensitisation. Consumers are being urged to stop using the products immediately and return them for a full refund. The WP Times reports, citing official notices from the UK government and coverage by The Independent.
Which perfumes are being recalled
The recall is highly specific and tightly targeted. It does not apply to all perfumes on the market — or even to all products from the brands involved. Instead, it covers only two clearly identified fragrance lines sold through a single retailer.
The products included in the recall
Only the following items are affected:
- Hello by Lionel Richie fragrances
- Hot by United Colours of Benetton fragrance
No other perfumes from Lionel Richie or Benetton are part of this recall. The recall applies only to products purchased from Savers Health and Beauty stores in the UK and sold with specific barcodes listed in the official OPSS recall notice. This distinction is essential. The same perfume bought from any other retailer — whether online or in-store — is not affected, unless it matches the exact barcode details published by regulators.
The action is not a general warning about the brands involved. It is a targeted compliance measure triggered by the discovery of a banned ingredient in particular product batches. In practical terms, perfumes with the same names purchased from other retailers are not included, and other Benetton or Lionel Richie fragrances remain legally on sale. Only bottles that list “butylphenyl methylpropional (Lilial)” on the ingredients label are affected. The recall concerns identified batches and verified packaging codes, rather than entire product ranges.
How to check if your perfume is affected
Consumers are advised to verify three key details:
- Place of purchase – the item must have been bought from Savers
- Barcode number – it must match one listed in the OPSS recall annex
- Ingredients list – it must include the banned substance Lilial (BMHCA)
If all three conditions are met, the product qualifies for a full refund under the official recall. This is a product-specific, barcode-driven recall designed to remove non-compliant stock from circulation. It does not indicate a broader problem with the brands involved, but rather with clearly defined batches sold through one retailer.
Why the perfumes were recalled
The recall was initiated after laboratory testing confirmed the presence of butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA) in certain batches. BMHCA — or Lilial — has been banned in the UK and EU for use in cosmetics since March 2022. Any cosmetic product containing the ingredient after that date is considered non-compliant with safety regulations. In its formal notice, OPSS stated:
“BMHCA is prohibited in cosmetic products due to potential risks to human health, including possible harm to the reproductive system and sensitisation of the skin.”
Because perfumes are intended for direct and regular application to the skin, the presence of this chemical is treated as a significant consumer safety concern.
What is Lilial and why is it banned
Lilial was once widely used in fragrances to create soft floral notes and appeared for decades in perfumes, deodorants and personal care products.However, updated scientific assessments concluded that the substance posed unacceptable risks. Research indicated that Lilial:
- may interfere with reproductive health
- could present risks to unborn children
- can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation
As a result, it was formally prohibited under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, which governs cosmetic safety standards in the UK and Europe. The presence of Lilial in any cosmetic product today constitutes a regulatory breach, regardless of brand or price.
What is known about the affected batches
The public recall notice provides only limited information about the supply chain behind the products.
| Category | Official status |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Not specified |
| Country of origin | Not disclosed |
| Counterfeit status | Unknown |
| Retailer | Savers Health and Beauty |
OPSS has not identified the factory or supplier responsible, and the issue is not currently being treated as counterfeit goods. Regulators are focused solely on removing the non-compliant items from consumer use as quickly as possible.
The recalled perfumes were positioned as low-cost, everyday fragrances, widely sold across the UK. Typical prices ranged from £10 to £30, making the products accessible to a broad customer base. Consumer groups warn that a significant number of shoppers could be affected, particularly those who bought the items as gifts during recent holiday seasons.
What customers should do
Anyone who owns an affected product is advised to:
- stop using it immediately
- return it to any Savers Health and Beauty store
- receive a full refund on the spot
No receipt or proof of purchase is required. Customers unsure whether their item qualifies can contact Savers at: [email protected]
Cosmetics recalls are uncommon in the UK, reflecting the strict regulation of the sector. The case highlights the role of post-market surveillance, which continues even after an ingredient has been banned, to ensure older or non-compliant stock is removed from sale.
Key facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which perfumes are affected? | Hello by Lionel Richie and Benetton Hot |
| Where were they sold? | Savers Health and Beauty (UK only) |
| Why were they recalled? | Presence of banned chemical Lilial |
| Health risks? | Potential reproductive harm and skin sensitisation |
| Are all bottles affected? | No – only specific barcodes |
| Refund available? | Yes, full refund |
| Proof of purchase required? | No |
For most UK consumers, no action is needed. The recall is limited to specific batches sold through Savers and does not indicate a wider problem with the brands or the cosmetics market. Anyone who purchased the named products from Savers should check their packaging and follow the official guidance. All other shoppers are unaffected.
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