The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent product recall for two popular designer fragrances sold by Savers Health and Beauty. The perfumes have been found to contain a chemical ingredient that is prohibited in cosmetics within the UK and EU due to serious health concerns.
What Products Are Affected?
The recall specifically targets Hello by Lionel Richie and Hot by United Colours of Benetton fragrances. These products were sold exclusively through Savers Health and Beauty stores. The OPSS has confirmed that the perfumes contain butylphenyl methylpropional, commonly known as BMHCA or lilial.
This substance is banned from use in cosmetic products under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009. The presence of BMHCA means the fragrances do not comply with essential safety requirements and pose a direct chemical risk to consumers.
Why Is BMHCA Dangerous?
The regulatory body has issued a stark warning about the potential effects of the banned chemical. According to the OPSS, BMHCA may cause harm to the reproductive system and could damage the health of an unborn child. Additionally, the ingredient is known to potentially cause skin sensitisation, leading to allergic reactions.
The initial safety alert concerning these products was raised in December 2025. The situation has now escalated to a full recall, instructing customers to return the items.
What Should Customers Do?
Consumers who have purchased any of the affected perfumes are advised to stop using them immediately and return the products to their place of purchase. Savers Health and Beauty will provide a full refund for all returned items.
The recall only applies to products with specific barcodes purchased from Savers. If you are unsure whether your perfume is part of the recall, you should contact Savers customer service directly at help@savers.co.uk.
Full list of recalled products and barcodes:
- Benetton Hot 100ml EDT - Barcodes: 3605473198178 / 715387003000 / 08002135090361.
- Hello by Lionel Richie Femme 50ML EDP - Barcodes: 5060426154546 / 15060426154543.
- Hello by Lionel Richie Homme 50ML EDT - Barcodes: 5060426154447 / 15060426154451.
- Hello by Lionel Richie Femme 100ML EDP - Barcodes: 5060426154522 / 05060426154539.
- Hello by Lionel Richie Homme 100ML EDT - Barcodes: 5060426154423 / 05060426154430.
- Hello by Lionel Richie Femme 30ML EDP - Barcodes: 5060426154461 / 05060426154478.
- Hello by Lionel Richie Homme 30ML EDT - Barcodes: 5060426154560 / 05060426154577.
The OPSS statement clarifies the procedure: "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." This action is crucial to ensure public safety and remove the hazardous products from circulation.
