On January 15, 2026, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued an urgent recall for two designer fragrances after discovering they contained a banned chemical ingredient known to pose serious health risks. The products in question—Hello by Lionel Richie and Hot by United Colours of Benetton—were sold exclusively at Savers Health and Beauty stores across the UK. Both perfumes, popular among shoppers for their distinctive scents and affordable price tags, have now been pulled from shelves, and customers are being urged to return any purchased bottles for a full refund.
The recall centers on the presence of butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), also known as lilial, a synthetic floral fragrance compound. According to the OPSS, BMHCA is strictly prohibited in cosmetic products due to its harmful effects on human health. The regulatory agency stated, “The products present a serious chemical risk as they contain butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA/lilial), 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 products do not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009,” as reported by Express.
The initial warning about these products first surfaced in December 2025, but it was not until January 15, 2026, that the formal recall was enacted. The OPSS emphasized that only products purchased at Savers Health and Beauty stores, and bearing specific barcodes listed in the recall notice, are affected. The full list of impacted products includes multiple sizes and variations of both Hello by Lionel Richie (Femme and Homme, 30ML, 50ML, 100ML EDP and EDT) and Benetton Hot 100ml EDT. Customers can identify affected items by checking the barcodes on their packaging, which have been widely published in the recall alerts from both the OPSS and major news outlets.
The OPSS has provided clear instructions for consumers who may have purchased these perfumes. “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 agency stated. For those uncertain about whether their product is included in the recall, Savers Health and Beauty has set up a dedicated contact email at [email protected] to assist with inquiries.
This recall is part of a broader regulatory crackdown on BMHCA, which was once a common ingredient in perfumes and household products due to its ability to mimic the scent of lily of the valley. Until March 2022, BMHCA was widely used in the UK and European Union. However, mounting scientific evidence linking the compound to reproductive toxicity and other health hazards led to its ban under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009. The regulation, which governs cosmetic safety across the EU and retained in UK law post-Brexit, prohibits the use of substances that can cause harm to human health—especially those with the potential to affect fertility or fetal development.
According to The Independent, the OPSS notice explained, “BMHCA can harm the health of the unborn child and the reproductive system and may cause skin sensitisation.” The decision to recall these perfumes underscores the seriousness of the risks associated with BMHCA exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and those with sensitive skin.
The recall has prompted a wave of concern among consumers, many of whom purchased the fragrances as gifts or for personal use during the holiday season. Savers Health and Beauty, the retailer at the center of the recall, issued an apology for the inconvenience caused, reiterating its commitment to customer safety. In a statement, the company said, “Only products purchased in Savers Health and Beauty stores with the barcodes listed are affected by this recall. If you are unsure if you have one of the above products, please contact Savers Health and Beauty on [email protected].”
Product recalls for cosmetic items are not uncommon, but the involvement of high-profile brands and celebrity endorsements has drawn extra attention to this case. Hello by Lionel Richie, marketed under the legendary singer’s name, and Hot by United Colours of Benetton, a brand known for its vibrant and youthful image, both enjoyed significant popularity in the UK market. Their withdrawal from sale is a stark reminder that even well-known brands can be affected by regulatory changes and evolving scientific understanding of ingredient safety.
Consumer safety advocates have welcomed the swift action by the OPSS, noting that timely recalls are essential to prevent potential harm. The agency’s clear communication, including the publication of affected barcodes and refund procedures, has been praised as a model for how recalls should be handled. “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 OPSS reiterated in its official statement.
The recall also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by regulators in monitoring and enforcing cosmetic safety. With thousands of products on the market and new formulations constantly being developed, ensuring compliance with safety standards is a complex task. The ban on BMHCA reflects a growing trend toward stricter oversight of chemicals with potential long-term health effects, even when those ingredients have been used safely for years in other contexts.
For consumers, the incident serves as a reminder to check product labels and stay informed about recalls. The OPSS and Savers Health and Beauty have made it clear that only products with specific barcodes are affected, so not all Hello by Lionel Richie or Benetton Hot perfumes are subject to the recall. Still, the message is clear: when in doubt, reach out to the retailer or consult the official recall notice to ensure your safety.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, manufacturers and retailers alike will need to remain vigilant about ingredient sourcing and compliance. The withdrawal of these two popular perfumes, while disruptive for some shoppers, ultimately underscores the importance of consumer protection in the cosmetics industry. For now, anyone who has purchased Hello by Lionel Richie or Hot by United Colours of Benetton from Savers Health and Beauty is encouraged to return the product and claim a full refund—no questions asked.
With this decisive action, the OPSS reaffirms its commitment to public health and safety, reminding both businesses and consumers that when it comes to cosmetics, vigilance is not just a best practice—it’s the law.
