BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Also known as: butylated hydroxytoluene, E321, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol
A synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation in cosmetics and food. Less studied than BHA but shares some endocrine disruption concerns.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene).
Generally low risk at cosmetic concentrations.
Mild concern; consider alternatives if using multiple BHT-containing products.
Moderate concern from cumulative exposure across food and cosmetic sources.
Health Risks
Possible endocrine disruptor; shown to affect thyroid and reproductive hormones in animal studies.
May promote tumor growth in certain animal models, though evidence is less conclusive than for BHA.
Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2002
Global Regulatory Status
How bht (butylated hydroxytoluene) is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
40% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Max 0.8% in body products, lower in lip/oral products per Regulation 2022/2195.
Details
Permitted with limits under MHLW standards.
Details
Permitted with concentration limits.
Details
Permitted with limits per Safety Technical Standards.
Why Brands Use BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Prevents oils and fats from going rancid, extending the shelf life of lipsticks, moisturizers, and other oil-based products.
49
products in our database
21
brands use it
3
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose bht (butylated hydroxytoluene) because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like tocopherol (vitamin E), rosemary extract, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) deliver similar results without the health concerns.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing bht (butylated hydroxytoluene) in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Products Containing BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
These popular products list bht (butylated hydroxytoluene) in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full ingredient breakdown and safety analysis.
And 37 more products in our database.
The Worst Offender vs Numbrrrz
Here's how the lowest-scoring product containing bht (butylated hydroxytoluene) compares to Numbrrrz.
Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment
Blistex
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz uses vitamin E as a natural antioxidant preservative in all formulations — effective protection against rancidity without synthetic BHT.
FAQ
Is BHT safer than BHA?
Can I avoid BHT in my daily routine?
Is BHT an endocrine disruptor?
Is BHT the same as BHA?
What are other names for BHT on ingredient labels?
Does Numbrrrz use BHT?
See How These Brands Compare to Numbrrrz
Brands that use bht (butylated hydroxytoluene) in their products — see how they stack up.
