What is BHT  ?

Butylated Hydroxytoluene or BHT is a stabiliser that can be found in cosmetic products. It acts as an antioxidant that helps maintain the properties and performance of a product as it is exposed to air (to avoid a change in odor, in color, in texture...). 

To identify BHT in our products, take a look at the ingredients list on packaging. It can be found under the acronym BHT.

What is it  used for ?

Where does it  come from ?

In cosmetics, BHT is of synthetic origin.

Why and how  do we use it ?

BHT is an antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of products, and in particular the fatty phase of formulas that are likely to rancor or degrade when in contact with the air. Oxydation is a chemical reaction through which a componant of the formula react with the oxygen. It enables to maintain the properties and performance of a product when exposed to air.

We use BHT at an optimal and regulated concentration level: 0.1% in leave-on products and 0.5% in rinse-off products. The safety of our products and ingredients is an absolute priority. We only market products that are safe which have been subject to a very strict evaluation of their quality and safety by internal and third party experts.

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are working with our suppliers to stop the use of BHT as a protecting agent of raw materials.

Why is it  questioned ?

BHT is accused of being an endocrine disruptor and of having toxic effects on the liver, kidneys and lungs at extreme doses, by ingestion. BHT is also suspected of having a potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic species. Lastly, it is accused of carrying a carcinogenic potential because it is confused with another ingredient called BHA, ingredient that we dont use. 

Facts:

  • BHT is not an endocrine disruptor according to the definition by the World Health Organization (WHO), whose role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations.
     
  • Studies showing the potential toxicity of BHT have been performed under conditions that are in no way similar to cosmetic use: ingestion of very high doses. More information here.
     
  • BHT is not considered a bioaccumulative substance for the aquatic environment. It has been evaluated by Sweden in the context of the 2004 European Working Group on Persistence, Bioaccumulability and Toxicity of Products on the Environment