Hexamethylindanopyran
Galaxolide · HHCB
What it is
A synthetic polycyclic musk built in a lab to mimic warm, animal-musk base notes. It is one of the most heavily used fragrance chemicals in the world, in perfume, shampoo, soap, detergent, and lotion.
In this product: Fragrance and fixative. Carries a persistent musky base note and slows the evaporation of lighter scent molecules so the smell lasts.
Dose & route, what actually matters
The concern is not one spray. It is that this musk does not break down, builds up in fat over years, and turns up in human breast milk. Sprayed on skin and inhaled daily, the exposure is chronic and cumulative rather than acute.
EUROPEAN UNION
Annex III (restricted). Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 requires individual labelling above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products. The EU chemicals agency (ECHA RAC) issued an opinion classifying it Repr. 1B (suspected reproductive toxicant); if adopted into CLP this would trigger a cosmetics restriction.
UNITED STATES
No restriction and no concentration limit. Legally hidden inside “Fragrance” on US labels.
The evidence
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 added Galaxolide (CAS 1222-05-5) to Annex III, requiring individual labelling above 0.001% leave-on and 0.01% rinse-off.
regulatory · 2023 · source
ANSES proposed classifying Galaxolide as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant under EU CLP, citing reproductive-organ effects in animal studies and residues measured in human breast milk and adipose tissue.
regulatory · 2025 · source
California Prop 65: Not listed.
How to avoid it
Look for “Galaxolide,” “HHCB,” or “Hexamethylindanopyran.” EU products must name it from July 2026; in the US it stays inside “Fragrance.” Choose fragrance-free products or brands that fully disclose their fragrance components.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.