Polysorbate 80 vs Butylated Hydroxyanisole: which is worse?
Quick answer: Butylated Hydroxyanisole carries the heavier risk profile. Polysorbate 80 is — in the EU and — in the US; Butylated Hydroxyanisole is — in the EU and — in the US.
| Property | Polysorbate 80 | Butylated Hydroxyanisole |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | — | — |
| US status | — | — |
| Risk level | — | — |
| Banned in | — | Japan (banned for foods containing fats and oils) |
| Restricted in | European Union (ADI 25 mg/kg body weight per day), Australia | European Union (restricted; banned in baby food), United Kingdom |
| Category | additive | additive |
| Where it hides | — | — |
What is Polysorbate 80?
Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) is a synthetic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid (from vegetable oils) through ethoxylation. It is widely used in food to keep water-based and oil-based ingredients uniformly mixed. Chemical formula: polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate.
What is Butylated Hydroxyanisole?
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant preservative derived from petroleum (see also bha entry). It is a mixture of 2-BHA and 3-BHA isomers, used to prevent oxidative rancidity in fats, oils, and fat-containing foods. Chemical formula C11H16O2.
Documented risks
Polysorbate 80: Emerging research has raised concerns about polysorbate 80's effects on the gut. A landmark 2015 study in Nature (Chassaing et al.) found that dietary polysorbate 80 and polysorbate 60 at concentrations approaching food use levels promoted colitis and metabolic syndrome in genetically susceptible mice by disrupting the intestinal mucus layer and altering gut microbiome composition. The emulsifiers thinned the protective mucus layer, allowing bacteria to come into closer contact with gut epithelial cells and triggering inflammation. This study was a seminal contribution to gut health research, though it was conducted in mice and requires confirmation in humans. A 2020 follow-up study found that dietary emulsifiers including polysorbate 80 promoted gut inflammation and altered gut microbiome in human participants with Crohn's disease. People with inflammatory bowel disease may be most vulnerable to polysorbate 80's potential gut effects.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole: IARC classifies BHA as Group 2B (possible human carcinogen) based on forestomach tumor studies in rodents at high doses. The NTP lists it as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.' EFSA's 2012 review found endocrine-disrupting potential. Japan banned it for food use. The FDA permits it at 0.02% of fat content. Concerns about estrogen-receptor interaction have been documented in animal studies. Contact dermatitis from cosmetic use is reported.
Scan a barcode and we'll flag both Polysorbate 80 and Butylated Hydroxyanisole (plus 200+ other ingredients banned overseas).
Scan free →