Sol de Janeiro products are not toxic when used as directed, but they do contain ingredients that have drawn scrutiny. A 2024 California Proposition 65 notice flagged one of their creams for containing diethanolamine (DEA), a chemical classified as a carcinogen in that state, and older formulations included a now-banned fragrance ingredient called Lilial. The brand has also faced questions about its fragrance compounds and preservative choices. Here’s what’s actually in these products and what the safety data says.
The Proposition 65 Notice
In 2024, a 60-day notice of intent to sue was filed against Sol de Janeiro under California’s Proposition 65 for failing to warn consumers about diethanolamine (DEA) in at least one cream product (UPC 810912033573). DEA was listed as a carcinogen by the state of California in 2012. The notice specifically cited inhalation as a route of exposure during normal use of the product.
A Prop 65 notice does not mean a product will definitively cause cancer. California’s threshold for requiring a warning label is far lower than what most toxicologists consider a meaningful risk. Many common consumer products carry Prop 65 warnings. That said, the notice does confirm that DEA was detected in the product and that no warning was provided to consumers at the time of sale.
Lilial in Older Formulations
Several Sol de Janeiro products sold around 2020 contained butylphenyl methylpropional, commonly known as Lilial. This fragrance ingredient was banned in the European Union in 2022 after regulators classified it as potentially harmful to fertility. The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database lists Lilial in 2020 formulations of the Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist, multiple Glowmotions Glow Oils, the Acai Body Power Cream, and the Brazilian Joia Shampoo.
If you purchased any of these products before the EU ban took effect, they may still contain Lilial. Current formulations sold in the EU no longer include it, as the ban made that illegal. Products sold in the U.S. are not subject to the same restriction, though many brands reformulated globally. Checking the ingredient list on your specific bottle is the most reliable way to confirm what’s in it.
Fragrance and Allergen Disclosure
The ingredient list for Sol de Janeiro’s flagship Brazilian Bum Bum Cream includes “Parfum (Fragrance)” along with several individually listed fragrance compounds: benzyl salicylate, citral, coumarin, hydroxycitronellal, and limonene. These are among the fragrance allergens that EU regulations require companies to disclose when present above certain thresholds. Each of these can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals, though most people tolerate them without issues.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) sets safety standards for fragrance ingredients, including limits on how much of a given compound can be used in different product types. IFRA standards are compulsory for member companies, which produce about 80% of the world’s fragrance volume. However, IFRA does not certify individual products. It explicitly states that no company is authorized to claim IFRA certification for a specific formulation. The responsibility for safe use rests with the company supplying the fragrance.
Preservatives in the Formula
Sol de Janeiro uses phenoxyethanol as its primary preservative, paired with ethylhexylglycerin and benzyl alcohol. Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics and has a strong safety record. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety considers it safe for all consumers, including children of all ages, at concentrations up to 1%.
Adverse effects from phenoxyethanol have only been observed in animal studies at exposure levels roughly 200 times higher than what a person would encounter from using cosmetic products. It is also a rare sensitizer, meaning allergic reactions to it are uncommon. Of all preservative options available to cosmetic manufacturers, it is considered one of the most well-tolerated.
What’s in the Bum Bum Cream
The full ingredient list for the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream includes water, emollients, and several plant-derived oils and extracts. The star ingredients are cupuaçu butter (rich in fatty acids that lock in moisture), coconut oil, açaí oil, Brazil nut seed oil, and guaraná seed extract. It also contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and squalane, a lightweight moisturizing oil. The product contains mica and titanium dioxide, which give it a subtle shimmer. The label notes it contains tree nuts, specifically Brazil nut.
None of these core ingredients raise toxicity concerns at cosmetic-use levels. Cupuaçu butter, coconut oil, and açaí oil are standard moisturizing ingredients with well-established safety profiles. The potential issues lie in the fragrance system and trace compounds like DEA rather than in the base formula itself.
Cruelty-Free Status and Certifications
Sol de Janeiro is not certified by any major cruelty-free or vegan organization such as Leaping Bunny or PETA. The brand is considered cruelty-free, meaning it does not test on animals, but it is not 100% vegan. Some products contain animal-derived ingredients. If official certification matters to you, this is worth noting, as “cruelty-free” claims without third-party verification rely entirely on the brand’s own statements.
Practical Takeaways for Your Skin
For most people, Sol de Janeiro products are safe to use daily. The preservatives are well within established safety limits, and the base ingredients are standard cosmetic fare. The real risk factors are individual: if you have fragrance sensitivities, the heavy scent profile (with multiple known allergens like citral, coumarin, and limonene) could trigger contact dermatitis or irritation. Patch testing on a small area of skin before full application is a practical precaution.
If you’re concerned about DEA exposure or lingering Lilial in older products, check the ingredient list printed on your specific product. Formulations change over time, and the 2020 versions flagged by EWG databases may differ significantly from what’s on shelves now. For the most cautious approach, purchasing directly from the brand’s website ensures you’re getting the most current formulation.