antioxidant

BHT

Fearmongered, actually fine·Strong evidence

A small-dose synthetic antioxidant that prevents oils and fragrance in a formula from oxidizing. Not shown to pose a toxicological risk at the levels used in cosmetics.

The myth vs the evidence

BHT sometimes gets lumped in with food-additive scare stories, but the trace amounts used in skincare to keep oils from going rancid are a different exposure picture. CIR reviewed BHT in 2002 and reaffirmed the safe-as-used conclusion again in 2023 after a fresh literature check.

Products with BHT

100
Vanicream
Moisturizing Skin Cream
92
The Ordinary
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

References

CIR Safety Assessment of BHT as Used in Cosmetics ↗
CIR BHT ingredient profile (2023 reaffirmation) ↗

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.