Is BHT (cosmetic) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: BHT (cosmetic) is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
INCI name BHT. CAS 128-37-0.
Is BHT (cosmetic) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | lipstick, eyeshadow, lotion |
| CAS number | 128-37-0 |
What is BHT (cosmetic)?
BHT (cosmetic) is butylated hydroxytoluene, an antioxidant preservative in cosmetics.
Why is BHT (cosmetic) used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
Is BHT (cosmetic) dangerous? Documented risks
A suspected endocrine disruptor under EU review; unrestricted in US cosmetics.
Products that may contain BHT (cosmetic)
How to avoid BHT (cosmetic): safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about BHT (cosmetic)
Is BHT (cosmetic) banned in the EU?
BHT (cosmetic) is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is BHT (cosmetic) in US cosmetics?
Yes — BHT (cosmetic) can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain BHT (cosmetic)?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag BHT (cosmetic) automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to BHT (cosmetic)?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects BHT (cosmetic).
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains BHT (cosmetic) or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related endocrine disruptors
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU endocrine disruptor list I — EU ED Lists
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.