Superdrug issues urgent recall over product due to 'serious health risk'

Shoppers who picked up a range of fragrances from Superdrug are being urged to stop using them at once after regulators labelled the sprays a "serious" chemical danger. A safety alert from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) confirms that all 236ml bottles of the Chinese-made'sSoulcal & Co body mists contain butylphenyl methylpropional (also known as lilial) a fragrance ingredient that has been banned in cosmetic products across Europe since 2022.

"The product presents a serious chemical risk as it contains butylphenyl methylpropional, 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," the recall notice says.

Five fragrances are affected:

Raspberry & Lotus Blossom

Mango & Passion Fruit

Apple & Waterlily

Coco Plum & Jacaranda

Beach Rose & Coconut Water

Each fragrance was sold in a plastic bottle with Soulcal & Co branding.

While the sprays were previously stocked by Superdrug, discount chain Farmfoods has also removed them from sale.

"The products have been recalled from end users by the manufacturer. Affected products have been withdrawn from sale by Farmfoods," OPSS added.

Customers can return the item to the store for a full refund.

Lilial was widely used for its fresh, floral scent but was reclassified as toxic to reproduction under EU rules.

The chemical has been outlawed in new cosmetic formulations since March 2022, and any remaining stock was due to be cleared from shelves by the end of that year.

OPSS has reminded retailers that "products containing lilial must not be supplied in the UK" and urged consumers to check the labels of older cosmetics and toiletries.

Superdrug lists the product as no longer available on its website. Customers with questions are advised to contact its customer service team.

If you believe you've suffered a reaction linked to the recalled sprays, you should seek medical advice and report the incident to Citizens Advice or your local trading standards office.