Cosmetic products containing substances banned in the EU discovered in the Czech Republic

Hundreds of cosmetic products containing substances banned in the EU have been found in the Czech Republic, UNN reports, citing "Radio Prague."

Details

During the first half of 2026, employees of the sanitary and hygienic service found hundreds of cosmetic products containing the banned substances lilial and TPO (TPO) during inspections of stores in the Vysočina Region. Over six months, they conducted 41 inspections at stores. The products found must be withdrawn from sale and disposed of.

"Despite the fact that the use of lilial in cosmetics has been prohibited since 2022, during inspections we continue to encounter products that contain it. In the retail network alone, during the first half of this year we found 895 such products," said Šimon Veleba, director of the Department of Food Hygiene and General-Use Items at the Vysočina Regional Public Health Authority.

Lilial, usually listed as butylphenyl methylpropional, is a synthetic fragrance with a distinctive floral scent reminiscent of lily of the valley or lily. In the past, it was a common ingredient in perfumes, deodorants and hair cosmetics. It was banned because of possible allergic reactions and proven reproductive toxicity.

The substance TPO can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions, and is also associated with negative effects on reproductive health and fetal development.

The use of products containing TPO was not found in most of the inspected manicure and beauty salons.