Untoxed HealthUntoxedHealth
← All ingredients
High concernPreservative

Butylated Hydroxyanisole

Endocrine disruptorPossible carcinogenAllergen

What it is

A synthetic phenolic antioxidant, white waxy solid.

What it does

Prevents oxidation (rancidity) of fats and oils in foods, cosmetics, and rubber.

Why it’s a concern

NTP reasonably anticipates BHA to be a human carcinogen based on rodent forestomach tumours. The EU SCCS classifies it as an endocrine disruptor of concern. California Prop 65 lists BHA as a carcinogen. Contact dermatitis is well documented.

Also known as

BHAtert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole

CAS numbers

25013-16-5

Commonly found in

lipstickmoisturiserpackaged foodcereals

Safer alternatives

  • vitamin E (tocopherol)
  • rosemary extract
  • ascorbyl palmitate

Sources

  • NTP 15th Report on Carcinogens
  • California Prop 65