What is it?
Butylated compounds are chemicals that are widely used as preservatives in food and in a variety of personal care products that contain oil to keep them from going rancid and to maintain color, flavor and odor. These chemical ingredients, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), are linked to some very serious health issues, can cause allergic reactions and are suspected to be possible human carcinogens.
Where can I find it?
BHT and BHA can be found in products such as lipstick, moisturizers, hair products, lip products, makeup, sunscreen and deodorants.
What’s the concern?
BHT and BHA are linked to health issues:
- BHA and BHT can cause dermatitis
- The U.S. National Toxicology Program has classified BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.
- In the State of California a cancer warning label is required on products containing BHA.
- Endocrine system disruption – the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption suggests that there is “strong evidence” that BHA is a human endocrine disruptor.
- Organ System Toxicity. According to Safecosmetics.org, a study carried out in normal mammalian kidney cells found that exposure to BHA caused specific damage at the cellular level and was found to exert a significant cytotoxic effect even at low doses.
How can I avoid it?
If you want to avoid using BHA or BHT in your personal care (or food), avoid products with the following in the ingredient list:
BHA
- BHA
- ANTIOXYNE B
- ANTRANCINE 12
- EEC NO. E320
- EMBANOX
- NIPANTIOX 1-F
- PROTEX
- SUSTANE 1-F
- TENOX BHA
BHT
- BHT
- DBPC
- ADVASTAB 401
- AGIDOL
- AGIDOL 1
- ALKOFEN BP
- ANTIOXIDANT 29
- ANTIOXIDANT 30
- ANTIOXIDANT 4
- ANTIOXIDANT 4K
- ANTIOXIDANT KB
- ANTRANCINE 8
References:
http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/butylated-compounds/
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700740/BHA/#
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700741/BHT/#.WvoJq037kkE