Back in May 2020, the EU’s European Commission had updated its classification of butylphenyl methylpropional (most commonly known as lilial) to a presumed reproductive toxicant and planned to ban the ingredient as of March 1, 2022. As the deadline passed this week, people began to wonder if the ban would extend to Olaplex’s best-selling product, since butylphenyl methylpropional is an ingredient in the product. According to an article written by Emily Rekstis on March 2, the reason lilial is being banned is that it can act as an endocrine disruptor — which can essentially mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones.
The chemicals previously found in Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, including lilial, can negatively impact both men’s and women’s reproductive systems — potentially resulting in infertility, sub-fertility, improper hormone production, or menstrual cycle abnormalities.
RELATED: Why Chopping Off Your Hair Is Actually Therapeutic However, a statement from Olaplex clarified that, “lilial was previously used in small amounts as a fragrance in No. 3 Hair Perfector. It is not an active or functional ingredient.” They explained that the product previously used 0.0119% as a fragrance and as an inactive and non-functional ingredient in their rinse-out product. They further stated that “while this phase-out is limited to the EU, out of an abundance of caution, Olaplex proactively removed lillial from our No.3 Hair Perfector globally,” and have not sold products with the ingredients in the UK or EU since January 2022. Since Olaplex has removed the toxic ingredient from their products in European countries, it could potentially mean the product will not be banned in the UK (and you don’t have to worry about changing to a new hair bonder just yet). However, if you’re looking for an alternative to using Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, this list of products could greatly help you out.
Here are 4 non-toxic alternatives that are just as good for your hair.
1. OGX Bonding Plex Collection
Photo: Walmart This leave-in treatment will easily prevent damage and maximize moisture retention for healthier hair while providing a protective barrier for continuous styling. It also increases smoothness, improves the appearance of split ends, softens your hair, and gives you less frizz. Where to buy: Walmart, $11.99 SHOP NOW RELATED: 21 Best Clarifying Shampoos For Silky, Smooth Hair That Takes Product Well
2. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment
Photo: Ulta If you’re looking to reinforce the weakened bonds in your hair to improve its strength and resiliency, the pH balancing formula in the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment helps your hair heal after the negative effects of hair coloring and heat tools. Where to buy Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment: Ulta, $30.00 SHOP NOW
3. Aphogee Keratin Reconstructor
The Aphogee Protein Treatment contains magnesium and modified proteins that fuse into the hair with heat. This makes your hair strands stronger and less likely to break, especially if your hair is too weak or fine to be permed or bleached, you should use this treatment a week before. SHOP NOW
4. Bumble and Bumble Bond-Building Repair Treatment
This Bumble and Bumble Bond-Building treatment is for once a week use to help build new bonds in your hair. The product repairs the hair fibers and will protect your hair from any future damage. This treatment works best when used in conjunction with the Bond-Building Repair Shampoo ($34.00, Ulta) and Bond-Building Repair Conditioner ($34.00, Ulta). Where to buy: Ulta $34.00 SHOP NOW RELATED: Why You Should Never Use Purple Shampoo On Dry Hair (Plus, The Best Products To Keep Your Blonde Hair Shiny & Sleek) Nia Tipton is a writer living in Brooklyn. She covers pop culture, social justice issues, and trending topics. Follow her on Instagram.
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