FRIGHTFUL 15: #11 BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE (BHT) / BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE (BHA)
Terry Visidis | Unsplash
What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are closely related synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks, moisturizers, fragrances and other cosmetics. It's mostly used in makeup products such as eyeliner, lipstick, blush and foundation, but you can also find it in various other cosmetic products like moisturizer, cleanser and perfume. They are also widely used as food preservatives.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes concern with Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), organ system toxicity (non-reproductive); Other LOW concerns: Data gaps, Endocrine disruption.
So, What’s So Bad?
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel recognized that oral exposure to BHT was associated with toxic effects in some studies and was negative in others. BHT applied to the skin, however, appears to remain in the skin or pass through only slowly and does not produce systemic exposures to BHT or its metabolites seen with oral exposures. Although there were only limited studies that evaluated the effect of BHT on the skin, the available studies, along with the case literature, demonstrate no significant irritation, sensitization, or photosensitization. Recognizing the low concentration at which this ingredient is currently used in cosmetic formulations, it was concluded that BHT is safe as used in cosmetic formulations.
However, The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has also listed BHA as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function. There is some evidence that high doses of BHT may mimic estrogen and prevent expression of male sex hormones resulting in adverse reproductive affects. Some studies have also shown BHT/BHA to prevent the formation of carcinogens in the body. Other studies suggest that it does not prevent cancer, but may make it worse.
(Sources:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/endocrine/pdf/final_report_2007.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12396675
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/endocrine/)
According to the David Suzuki Foundation, both chemicals are cause for concern and have been flagged for future assessment under the Chemicals Management Plan of Canada (Canada government’s initiative aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and their environment).
VERDAUD does not contain BHT or BHA.