Antioxidant

BHT

CAS 128-37-0 EC 204-881-4
2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol

Purpose

Function

Antioxidant (prevents oxidative degradation of formulas)
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Restricted
Safety
MODERATE
US
Permitted
EU Max Concentration0.001%
Absorptionlow
Sensitizationlow
MoSnot established
NOAEL25 mg/kg
ConcernModerate
Flags
potential-allergeneu_children_restrictedifra_fragrancefda_food_additive
Verdict

Suspected endocrine disruptor (flagged by France's MSCA in 2017); the SCCS concluded a potential risk to human health at concentrations exceeding the regulated thresholds. Skin sensitization possible at high levels. Synthetic phenolic antioxidant; highly effective at preventing rancidity in oil-based formulations; fat-soluble; often used in combination with BHA for synergistic antioxidant protection

US Note

Allowed - permitted as a cosmetic ingredient; also classified as GRAS for food use by the FDA (21 CFR 172.115); no specific cosmetic concentration cap in US regulation

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
128-37-0
EC Number
204-881-4
INCI
BHT
Category
Antioxidant
Updated
Apr 2, 2026