Ensuring Consumer Safety: Recall of Matrix Biolage Smooth Therapie Hair Conditioner
The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), under the Ministry of Health, has issued an immediate recall for a hair conditioner product. The product in question, the Matrix Biolage Smooth Therapie, has been withdrawn from the market due to the presence of butylphenyl methylpropional, a substance prohibited for use in cosmetic products in the European Union.
The notification does not specify the batches of this product affected. However, it is noted that the reference number is PS/MCH-CM 1062/2024 and the alert Rapex A12/00597/24. The alert was issued by the Pharmaceutical Control and Health Products Service of Catalonia.
As a precautionary measure, the AEMPS has instructed the cessation of the commercialization of the affected product and the removal from the market of all distributed units. The company responsible for marketing this conditioner is Matrix 15, headquartered in France.
Understanding the Risks: Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Butylphenyl methylpropional is listed in Annex II of Community Regulations, which contains substances prohibited in cosmetic products. Therefore, users who may have this conditioner in their homes are advised to discontinue its use immediately.
This chemical is a synthetic fragrance commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products such as shampoos, creams, bath products, skincare and hair care products, moisturizers, and perfumes. It has also been utilized in non-cosmetic products like household cleaning liquids and detergents.
In May 2019, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published an opinion concluding that butylphenyl methylpropional cannot be considered safe for use in cosmetics. While individual concentrations posed no risk, the potential for consumers to use multiple products containing lilial could lead to skin sensitization (allergies) and later reproductive toxicity.
Consequently, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classified the molecule as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic) material due to the potential reproductive toxicity of aggregated use. Since March 1, 2022, butylphenyl methylpropional cannot be used in cosmetic products marketed in the European Union (EU).
Consumers who may have these conditioners in their homes are advised to cease usage immediately. Distributors and retail establishments are urged to immobilize and discontinue the marketing of these products.
For any inquiries related to this health alert, individuals can email [email protected], specifying the reference, brand, and commercial name of the affected product in the subject line.
