Are BHA and BHT bad for you?
Health and Environmental Hazards BHA and BHT can induce allergic reactions in the skin [1]. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen [2].
Why is BHA and BHT banned?
BHA is considered a human carcinogen and both BHA and BHT can promote tumor growth and impair blood clotting. They’ve been banned in Japan, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Look out for these artificial preservatives in store-bought cereals like Froot Loops, Frosted Flakes, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Is BHT harmful to humans?
There is no scientific evidence that BHT is harmful in the amounts used in packaged food. Indeed, in small amounts, it may have anticancer effects similar to those provided by naturally occurring antioxidants.
Is BHT bad in skincare?
Butylated hydroxytoluene, a potent synthetic antioxidant that also has health concerns when consumed orally. The amount of BHT uses in cosmetic products is typically 0.01-0.1%, and does not pose a risk to skin, nor does it penetrate skin far enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Is BHT banned in Australia?
The waxy substances act as preservatives, keeping foods from becoming rancid. While BHA and BHT have been “generally recognized as safe” by the U.S. FDA, they remain controversial. Both BHA and BHT are banned from foods in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and throughout Europe.
Is BHA an antioxidant?
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an antioxidant consisting of a mixture of two isomeric organic compounds, 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole. The primary use for BHA is as an antioxidant and preservative in food, food packaging, animal feed, cosmetics, rubber, and petroleum products.
Is BHA toxic in skincare?
known as BHA and BHT, are known as the incredibly harmful chemical found mostly in your moisturisers and lipsticks. With BHA being a potential carcinogen and affecting hormone function, whilst BHT, being the devil behind devastating reproductive effects.
Is BHA safe in cosmetics?
The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has determined that there is strong evidence that BHA is a human endocrine disruptor, and has banned its use in cosmetics.
Is citric acid a BHA?
Currently, the BHA most commonly used in cosmetics is salicylic acid. On rare occasions, citric acid is also cited as a BHA in cosmetic formulations. More commonly, citric acid is referred to as an AHA. The safety of salicylic acid used as a cosmetic ingredient has been evaluated by both the cosmetic industry and FDA.