BHT
INCI · BHT · also Butylated hydroxytoluene
Overview
A synthetic antioxidant that protects the oils and fragrance in a formula from going rancid. It is used at very small levels and its target is the product in the bottle, not the skin the product goes on.
Who it's for
Anyone using a product with a meaningful oil phase — balms, lip products, sunscreens and rich creams all benefit from something keeping their oils stable.
Cautions
It is often listed among ingredients people choose to avoid, and much of that discussion draws on dietary and animal studies at exposures unlike topical use; the topical picture is narrower than the headlines. It makes no claim to do anything for skin and can be replaced by tocopherol in formulas that prefer it.
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- Max safe
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What does BHT do in skincare?
A synthetic antioxidant that protects the oils and fragrance in a formula from going rancid. It is used at very small levels and its target is the product in the bottle, not the skin the product goes on.
Is BHT considered safe for skin?
It is often listed among ingredients people choose to avoid, and much of that discussion draws on dietary and animal studies at exposures unlike topical use; the topical picture is narrower than the headlines. It makes no claim to do anything for skin and can be replaced by tocopherol in formulas that prefer it.