Debunked: So, does Olaplex actually make you infertile?

TikTokers have been making bold claims about the brand

2 years ago

People with untameable manes across the UK were shaken to the core this week (28th February), as TikTokers started making claims about the content of haircare brand Olaplex.

According to one TikTok with over 1 million views, hairdressers are “telling (people) Olaplex is being banned in the UK this month.” The video triggered a number of “warnings” about chemicals used in the products, with a few people claiming Olaplex could “make you infertile.”

Obviously, TikTok and Twitter users immediately started making fun of the claims, with some even calling the brand a “birth control alternative.” But, can Olaplex *really* make you infertile? Let’s have a look at the facts:

@ameliafarmer979 What a waste of £50 #olaplex #banned #fyp ♬ original sound – bethannebrice

A chemical previously used in Olaplex is being banned

So, up until 2022, Olaplex No.3 (arguably the most popular hair product on TikTok) contained a chemical called butylphenyl methylpropional, otherwise known as lilial. The ingredient could’ve been removed as early as 2020.

Lilial can be found in tons of household items you use daily – like laundry detergent and other cleaning products. This is fine, because you’re not expected to put detergent on your face, hair and body. But since 2022, the EU has banned the substance from all cosmetics, and the UK is expected to follow suit soon.

Experts have confirmed lilial may have adverse effects on reproductive health, so it’s probably best for beauty products to get rid of it.

Olaplex started phasing lilial out last year

Photo via Unsplash before edits

A simple glance at the ingredients list on Olaplex No.3 confirms lilial is no longer in use. A spokesperson confirmed to Refinery29: “We removed the ingredient butylphenyl methylpropional (lilial) from manufacturing already.

“Olaplex takes the health of our consumers and regulatory compliance seriously. While lilial was previously used as a fragrance in the Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, it was never an active or functional ingredient. Out of an abundance of caution, we proactively removed lilial from our No.3 Hair Perfector globally and have not sold products using this ingredient in the UK or EU since January of 2022.”

No, Olaplex is not being banned

…And it won’t make you infertile, either.

Olaplex’s PR team has since confirmed none of the products are being banned from UK shelves – or the EU’s, for that matter. Scientists have revealed the chemical was previously tested on animals via feeding, and some ended up experiencing problems with infertility. While this may be a problem within itself, there’s nothing to suggest any humans have suffered the same issues using cosmetics containing lilial.

TL;DR: You have absolutely nothing to worry about.