Ingredient
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is common allergen and absorbed into the body.
- Lyral
- HICC
- Laurel aldehyde
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Absorbed into the body
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde (Lyral) is a synthetic fragrance chemical that was widely used in perfumes and scented cosmetics until recent regulatory action. It provides a lily-of-the-valley floral scent but has been identified as a significant allergen. While specific reproductive toxicity studies are limited, this ingredient is a known potent skin sensitizer that can cause allergic reactions and inflammation. During pregnancy, when the immune system is already altered and skin sensitivity can be heightened, exposure to strong allergens is particularly concerning. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) could not establish any safe concentration for use due to high sensitization rates. Allergic reactions and inflammation during pregnancy are best avoided as they may cause maternal stress and discomfort. The EU banned Lyral from all cosmetic products in 2021 due to safety concerns. While the ban was primarily due to allergy risks rather than pregnancy-specific concerns, pregnant women should avoid this ingredient both because of the general prohibition and because pregnancy can increase vulnerability to allergens. Most major brands have reformulated to remove this ingredient. If you find it listed on an older product, choose an alternative.
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
Lyral is a problematic fragrance ingredient regardless of breastfeeding status due to its high allergenic potential. While there is no specific evidence that it transfers to breast milk or affects milk production, the primary concern is the significant risk of allergic contact dermatitis for the mother. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin irritation to severe contact dermatitis with redness, itching, blistering, and discomfort. Breastfeeding mothers dealing with the demands of infant care should avoid unnecessary exposure to known strong allergens that could cause uncomfortable skin reactions requiring medical treatment. The European Union's ban on this ingredient in 2021 reflects the severity of allergy concerns. Dermatologists and allergists recommend avoiding products containing Lyral, especially since many safer fragrance alternatives are now available. If you have a product containing this ingredient, consider replacing it with a fragrance-free or reformulated alternative.
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Even for postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, Lyral should be avoided due to its classification as a potent allergen. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety concluded that no safe concentration could be established for this ingredient, leading to its EU-wide ban. Postpartum skin can be more sensitive due to hormonal fluctuations, and this is not the time to expose yourself to known strong allergens that could trigger uncomfortable or painful allergic reactions. The ingredient offers no skincare benefits—it is purely for fragrance—and many safer alternatives exist.
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
Women trying to conceive should avoid Lyral primarily due to its status as a potent allergen and its recent ban in the EU. While there is no direct evidence that this fragrance ingredient affects fertility, there is no reason to expose yourself to a known problematic allergen when safer alternatives exist. Allergic reactions and skin inflammation are best avoided when trying to conceive and prepare your body for pregnancy. The ingredient provides only fragrance benefits and no skincare value, making it an unnecessary risk. Most brands have already reformulated products to remove this ingredient following the EU ban.
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Can inflame skin
Lyral should be avoided by individuals with PCOS, not because of hormonal concerns, but due to its high allergenic potential. PCOS patients often already deal with inflammatory skin conditions like acne and may be using multiple skincare products, increasing the risk of sensitization to allergens. While Lyral does not have endocrine-disrupting properties or hormone-interfering effects, the allergic reactions and skin inflammation it can cause are counterproductive for PCOS patients trying to manage skin health. Inflammation can worsen acne and other skin concerns common in PCOS. The EU ban on this ingredient in 2021 means it should no longer appear in new products from compliant manufacturers. If you find it in an older product, choose a newer formulation or fragrance-free alternative. There is no reason to risk exposure to this known allergen when safer options are widely available.
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde and general use
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde (Lyral) is one of the most problematic fragrance allergens in cosmetics. Studies show it causes allergic contact dermatitis in a significant percentage of the population, with sensitization rates increasing over years of exposure. Once sensitized, individuals may react to even trace amounts. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) conducted extensive reviews and concluded that no safe concentration for use in cosmetic products could be established due to the high rate and severity of allergic reactions. Symptoms can include redness, itching, burning, swelling, and blistering at the application site. Cross-reactivity with other fragrances may also occur. Based on these findings, the European Union banned Lyral from all cosmetic products effective August 2021. The ingredient is now prohibited under the EU Cosmetics Regulation. While the FDA has not issued a ban, most international brands have removed it from formulations globally. Consumers should avoid any products still listing this ingredient and opt for fragrance-free products or those using safer, non-sensitizing fragrance alternatives.
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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