7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
antioxidant · preservative · stabilizer · food additive
Bht
Also known as: Butylated Hydroxytoluene, 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol
Molecular Formula
C15H24O
Molecular Weight
220.35 g/mol
Category
antioxidant
Bottom Line: BHT is generally considered safe in low concentrations, though some studies raise concerns about its long-term effects.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics and food products
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas for household products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using multiple products containing BHT
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to BHT
- you are using products on children
- you have a history of skin irritation from similar compounds
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C15H24O |
| Molecular Weight | 220.35 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 158.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 509.0°C |
| Solubility | 0.00004% |
| Density | 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 5.3 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Moisturizers, lip balms, sunscreens. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test first.
Food
Snack foods, frozen foods, packaged baked goods. Approved as a food additive, but consume in moderation.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, prescription creams. Used in some formulations; consult a healthcare provider.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Use in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation risks.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutritional bars. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
BHT is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of BHT may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; long-term effects are not well studied.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of BHT vapors may cause respiratory irritation; exposure should be minimized.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Contact with eyes may cause mild irritation; rinse thoroughly if contact occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures may lead to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but individual responses may vary.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
BHT is widely used as an antioxidant, with mixed safety assessments across different jurisdictions.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Rabbit - Dermal application | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Guinea Pig - Maximization test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
BHT is widely used as an antioxidant, with mixed safety assessments across different jurisdictions.
- Commonly used in food and cosmetic products.
- Safety evaluations show varying conclusions.
- Long-term effects are still under investigation.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Butylated Hydroxytoluene
Year: 2012
Conclusion: BHT is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.8%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on the safety of BHT
Year: 2012
Conclusion: BHT is safe as a food additive at specified levels.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption
Year: 2021
Conclusion: BHT is permitted as a food additive under certain conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
BHT is permitted in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with concentration limits. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
Limited to specific concentrations in food and cosmetics.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food at regulated levels.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Regulated similarly to EU standards.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food with concentration limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
BHT is commonly used as an antioxidant in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
BHT is generally safe for skin use, but some individuals may experience irritation.
Yes, BHT is approved for use in food, but moderation is advised.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:30:00.411566Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.