BHT
Decode Label flags BHT as a moderate concern in both food and personal care (endocrine disruptor). It appears in 11 of the 893 published products we have analysed (1.2%).
The concern
Synthetic antioxidant — endocrine-disruption concern (NOT an IARC carcinogen; that is BHA)
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to stop fats and fragrance oils going rancid. The concern is endocrine activity: animal studies report effects on thyroid hormone and liver enzymes, and the EU SCCS has assessed it as an endocrine-disruption candidate. It is NOT classified as a carcinogen by IARC — that classification (Group 2B) belongs to BHA, a different additive with a similar name. Permitted in cosmetics at low levels.
Most relevant to
Cited authority
EU SCCS Opinion on BHT (SCCS/1636/21); EFSA re-evaluation of E321
Linked sources: EU-CosIng → EU →
How common it is in this catalogue
Measured across every product Decode Label has analysed — not estimated, and not taken from anyone else's dataset.
By category
Regulatory position
From the published regulation itself. Each row links to its source.
| Authority | Status | Reference | Scope / limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-CosIng | Restricted | Annex III 325 | a) Mouthwash b) Toothpaste c) Other leave-on and rinse-off products max a) 0,001 % b) 0,1 % c) 0,8 % | View → |
Hazard classification
SCCS reviewed BHT specifically because it was listed as a higher-priority potential endocrine disruptor; it concluded BHT is safe up to 0.001% in mouthwash, 0.1% in toothpaste, and 0.8% in other leave-on/rinse-off cosmetics.
Identity
- Canonical name
- 2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Methylphenol
- INCI name
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene
- CAS number
- 128-37-0
- EC number
- 204-881-4
- E number
- E321
- INS number
- 321
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is BHT safe?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 permits BHT in cosmetics only within set limits (Annex III, entry 325). Why it is flagged: Synthetic antioxidant — endocrine-disruption concern (NOT an IARC carcinogen; that is BHA). Decode Label treats it as a moderate concern in both food and personal care. It appears in 11 of the 893 published products we have analysed (1.2%).
How common is BHT in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label found BHT in 11 of 893 published products (1.2%), most often in Bath & Body, Skincare, Haircare.
Which authorities have classified BHT?
EU — SCCS Opinion SCCS/1636/21 — safe within limits; screened as a priority endocrine-disruptor candidate.
Is BHT restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), BHT has 1 restricted entry. Each is shown with its annex reference and a link to the source in the Regulatory position table.
Who should be most careful with BHT?
People who are pregnant; Anyone eating or using this regularly.
Products containing BHT
11 published products, each with its own full analysis.
Related ingredients
Other entries in the register with the same kind of concern.
Method and limits
- Prevalence counts published products whose decoded ingredient list matches this substance or one of its label synonyms, using the same matching the score itself uses. It describes our catalogue of 893 products, not the Indian market as a whole.
- Presence is not dose. An ingredient list gives order, not quantity, unless the pack declares a percentage. Nothing here estimates how much of this substance any product contains.
- A classification is not a verdict on a product. An agency classifies a substance under defined conditions of exposure; whether that matters in a given food or cosmetic depends on route, concentration and use.
- Last updated. This register entry was last changed on 28 September 2026.
- Corrections. Every figure here is reproducible from the sources named. If something is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and say what changed.