The Index · Antioxidant / preservative aid
Butylated Hydroxyanisole
Butylated Hydroxyanisole
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an antioxidant used to protect oils and formulas from oxidation.
FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits
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Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an antioxidant used to protect oils and formulas from oxidation.
What it does
Synthetic antioxidant (BHA) used at low levels in dermally applied cosmetics; SCCS advice sets a dermal-only concentration frame.
The evidence
Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): SCCS/1682/25 advice frames dermal use. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labelled as a featured active.
What it does in the formula
Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an antioxidant used to protect oils and formulas from oxidation.[1]
Safety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 1
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]CIR/SCCS. SCCS Scientific Advice on BHA SCCS/1682/25. Regulator (2026)regulator
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk