Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified SCCS/CIR Reviewed

t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT)

INCI: BHT (BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE); CHEMICAL NAME: 2,6-DI-TERT-BUTYL-4-METHYLPHENOL

CAS Number
128-37-0
Function
Antioxidant, stabilizer (prevents oxidative degradation of cosmetic formulations)
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes GRAS for food use; permitted in cosmetics; CIR reviewed and considered safe as used

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT). NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 300 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Subchronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 500 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 200 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 50 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 6 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 750 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1125 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 150 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1125 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 250 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes and skin.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the liver.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Safety Opinions

Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).

cir 6 June 2002
Verdict: unknown
NOAEL: 1000 ppm (oral)

Expert Verdict

Under investigation as suspected endocrine disruptor (MSCA France, 2017 assessment); SCCS re-evaluation ongoing; recent UK SAG-CS opinion confirms no current restriction but monitoring continues

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

eu_children_restricted ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT) safe in cosmetics?

Under investigation as suspected endocrine disruptor (MSCA France, 2017 assessment); SCCS re-evaluation ongoing; recent UK SAG-CS opinion confirms no current restriction but monitoring continues The EU classifies t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT) as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by cir.

Is t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT) allowed in the EU?

t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT) do in cosmetics?

t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT) functions as: Antioxidant, stabilizer (prevents oxidative degradation of cosmetic formulations). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 128-37-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT)?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT)?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT) is 300 mg/kg bw/day based on a Subchronic study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Compliance Tools

Check t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

🔬
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
 🌸
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
 🧪
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
 🧮
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
 ⚗️
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

Related Ingredients

Trapa japonica Callus Extract
Good
Prunus Spinosa Fruit Extract
Good
Ascorbyl Retinoate
Moderate
Stachys Officinalis Callus Lysate
Moderate
Dendropanax Morbiferus Leaf/Stem Extract
Good
Browse all 30,000+ ingredients →
📱

Is t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT) in Your Products?

Scan any product label with Piro — our free ingredient scanner. Point your camera at the ingredients list and get instant safety scores for every ingredient.

Try Piro Free →

Analyze Your Full Ingredient List

Paste any INCI list into the Decoder for instant safety analysis, or calculate the Margin of Safety for t-Butyl p-Cresol (BHT) in your formulation.

Ingredient Decoder MoS Calculator