Two popular designer fragrances have been urgently pulled from shelves across the United Kingdom after they were found to contain a prohibited chemical that poses a serious risk to reproductive health. The recall affects Hello by Lionel Richie and Hot by United Colours of Benetton Fragrances, both sold exclusively through the discount chain Savers Health and Beauty.
Serious Risk to Reproductive Health
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued the formal recall notice, stating the products contain butylphenyl methylpropional, commonly known as BMHCA or lilial. This synthetic floral fragrance, which mimics the scent of lily of the valley, is now classified as toxic to reproductive health. Authorities warn it can harm the health of an unborn child and damage the reproductive system. The chemical may also cause skin sensitisation in some users.
The OPSS has categorised the presence of BMHCA as a "serious chemical risk." The ingredient was banned from use in cosmetic products across the UK and the European Union in March 2022, having previously been used in numerous cosmetics and household items. Its continued presence in these perfumes represents a significant breach of safety regulations.
Full Refund Offered for Affected Products
Savers Health and Beauty is urging all customers who have purchased the affected items to return them immediately to any Savers store for a full refund. The recall is specific to products bought in-store that carry one of the listed barcodes. The chain has apologised for any inconvenience caused.
The impacted products and their barcodes are as follows:
- BENETTON HOT 100ml EDT: 3605473198178 / 715387003000 / 08002135090361
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE FEMME 50ML EDP: 5060426154546 / 15060426154543
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE HOMME 50ML EDT: 5060426154447 / 15060426154451
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE FEMME 100ML EDP: 5060426154522 / 05060426154539
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE HOMME 100ML EDT: 5060426154423 / 05060426154430
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE FEMME 30ML EDP: 5060426154461 / 05060426154478
- HELLO BY LIONEL RICHIE HOMME 30ML EDT: 5060426154560 / 05060426154577
Action Required for Consumers
An official statement from the OPSS reads: "Affected products have been recalled by Savers Health and Beauty. Customers should return any of the above products purchased at a Savers store to the place of purchase, where they will be issued a full refund."
The notice clarifies that only products with the listed barcodes purchased from Savers stores are included in this action. Consumers who are unsure if their product is affected are advised to contact Savers directly via email at help@savers.co.uk.
While an initial safety warning was issued last month, the formal recall from customers was enacted on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. This move underscores the severity of the risk associated with the banned substance. Customers are strongly encouraged to check their fragrance purchases and act promptly to ensure their safety.
