Antioxidant

BHT/Butylated Hydroxytoluene

INCI: BHT
CAS 128-37-0
Antioxidant (prevents oxidative degradation of formulas)
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Antioxidant (prevents oxidative degradation of formulas)

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
INCI
BHT
Category
Antioxidant
Updated
Apr 2, 2026