Butylated hydroxytoluene
Butylated hydroxytoluene
BHT is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics as an antioxidant and fragrance agent. It prevents the oxidation of formulations by limiting the degradation of other ingredients.
PerfumingAntioxidantRestricted useEndocrine disruptor (suspected)
EU nomenclature
Food additive
E321
E number assigned in the European nomenclature of food additives (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008).
Ingredient
Roles & functions
Perfuming — Adds a scent to the product or masks the odour of raw materials.
Antioxidant — Limits oxidation and helps preserve the formula over time.
Safety
Safety limit not to exceed
| Population | Limit / day | Type of reference | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult · general population | 0.25 mg/kg bw/day | Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) | EFSA OpenFoodTox 3.0 (ADI) |
Official reference limit, for information only, this is not personalised advice. Ask a pharmacist about your situation.
Last verified :
Regulatory framework
What the authorities say
| Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| Commission européenne (CosIng, Règl. 1223/2009) | Autorisé sous conditions |
| Endocrine Disruptor Lists (autorités UE, edlists.org) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:31 GMT | Perturbateur endocrinien — suspecté |
| CLP classification (Reg. 1272/2008) | No CMR classification |
| ECHA — Candidate List (SVHC, REACH Art. 59) | Not on the Candidate List (SVHC) |
| European Commission (Reg. 1223/2009, Annex III) | No cosmetic allergen subject to mandatory labelling |
| European Commission (EU catalogue of nanomaterials, Reg. 1223/2009) | No referenced nanoform |
| European Commission — Annex III (Reg. 1223/2009) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:23 GMT | Permitted subject to restrictions (Annex III) — max a) 0,001 % b) 0,1 % c) 0,8 % in a) Mouthwash b) Toothpaste c) Other leave-on and rinse-off products — From 1 July 2023 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the restrictions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 January 2024 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the restrictions shall not be made available on the Union market. |
Last verified :
Products
Products containing it
Laboratoires GilbertVaseline, 100ml
KloraneCire Froide Jambes à l'Amande Douce, 6 doubles bandes
KloraneCire Froide Visage & Zones Sensibles à l'Amande Douce, 6 doubles bandelettes
AveneCold Cream Crème, 100ml
AveneCold Cream Crème, 40ml
AveneBody Déodorant Régulateur Bille Peaux Sensibles, 50ml
A-DermaExomega Control Bain Apaisant Corps, 250ml
BiodermaAtoderm Stick Lèvres, Lot 2X4G
VichyDercos Aminexil Clinical 5 Hommes. Boîte 21 Ampoules
DucrayKeracnyl Repair Baume Lèvres, 15ml
KloraneNutrition Huile à la Mangue Cheveux Secs, 100ml
KloraneNutrition Masque à la Mangue Cheveux Secs, 150ml
Statistics
In Lou’s database
105
products listed
| Most frequent categories | Lips · Hydration · Anti-aging · Shower gels & soaps · Makeup |
| Most frequent brands | Eye Care · Avene · Idc · Ducray · Uriage |
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This information is reported factually and with attribution (authorities and publications cited). It does not constitute medical advice, for your situation, ask a pharmacist or a healthcare professional for advice.
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