If you’re in the beauty scene, you know what Olaplex is. Olaplex is a popular haircare brand that recently has taken the news by storm. It’s supposed to make your hair softer, shiner, and healthier, and there are different oils, treatments, and wash products you can buy. But what does Olaplex have to do with fertility? Read on to find out!
Olaplex banned in the EU
Recently, Olaplex has gotten a lot of attention for their popular product Olaplex No. 3. It contains an ingredient called Lilial. Lilial was recently banned by the European Union (a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe) because they believe that it may have a negative effect on fertility and could be harmful to the body. But how serious is this claim and what is Lilial used for?
Lilial and how it may affect fertility
This ingredient is not usually an active ingredient and is used mainly for its scent purposes in all types of beauty products. In general, the EU tends to be more conservative when it comes to banning or approving certain ingredients within products compared to the United States.
It is important to note that the studies concerning Lilial and fertility contained testing on rats in very high, very concentrated doses compared to the amount you would find in almost any beauty care product allowed for human use. These studies never contained human subjects, and the amount of Lilial in Olaplex is less than 1%. Some rats were observed to have toxic effects and this is why the EU removed them from the list of available or approved ingredients.
Does Olaplex still contain Lilial?
The EU announced a while ago that by March 2022 Lilial was to be phased out of all products on the market. This data has been available for a few years, but because the deadline is approaching it’s received a lot of attention in the media.
Olaplex proactively began removing it from the formula once the EU made their announcement and also began removing it from stores once the ban was made official. Not only did they remove it from the EU formulation, but Olaplex also removed it globally. Products that are sold now in the US, Asia, and the UK are sold with the same formulation as the Olaplex No. 3 as in the EU.
Olaplex officials said that your Olaplex might smell a little bit different, but that it does not have any bearing on the effectiveness of the product.
Should you toss your Olaplex No. 3?
Olaplex No. 3 should be safe to use, but if you’re already struggling to conceive, it might be best to not use the old formula while you are on your infertility journey.
If you have any specific questions, it is always best to speak with your physician or your doctor as they will be more up to speed on the research that is available regarding certain ingredients and their link to infertility. If they believe that it is not okay for you to use certain products they will be proactive about telling you.
Why New Hope?
New Hope Fertility Center is home to world-renowned fertility specialists. We custom design fertility treatments for the individual to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Our specialists believe in putting the patient first and being with them through every step of the fertility journey. Our team is well versed in helping women of all ages reach their fertility goals and we are passionate about educating, and supporting our patients throughout their journey. If you want compassionate fertility care, New Hope is the right place for you. Call us at (347) 970-8479 or schedule your initial consultation today!