On 16 April, 2026, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued final opinion (SCCS/1682/25) on Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) (CAS No. 25013-16-5). Compared to the preliminary opinion issued on 17 November 2025, the final opinion has maintained the same.
Final Opinion on Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
The SCCS concludes the following:
Based on the risk assessment, the SCCS considers the use of BHA in leave-on and rinse off cosmetic products up to a concentration of 0.07% as safe.
This SCCS Scientific Advice considered only dermal use and hence, is applicable for the use of BHA in dermally applied products, and not in oral care products or cosmetic products which may lead to exposure of the end-user's lungs by inhalation.
The SCCS mandate does not address environmental aspects. Therefore, this assessment has not covered the safety of BHA for the environment.
Assessment Background
BHA is currently not regulated under the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2099; however, it has been used for decades in various industries, including personal care, pharma, and food industry an antioxidant to extend the shelf life of products. According to EU CosIng database, BHA is reported to have the following functions: ‘antioxidant’ and ‘fragrance’. Cosmetic products often contain synthetic antioxidants like BHA to prevent the oxidation of fats and oils (mostly essential oils). In particular, the conjugated aromatic ring of BHA can stabilize free radicals, sequestering them acting as free radical scavenger.
BHA is closely related to BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), which has been recently evaluated by the SCCS in view of its potential endocrine activity. In that Opinion4, the SCCS concluded on the safety (under certain conditions) of BHT, when used in cosmetic products. BHA is also suspected of being an endocrine disruptor.
Given the possible health risks associated with this ingredient, its safe use in cosmetic products should be evaluated by the SCCS in view of technical and scientific progress. The Commission, therefore, requests the SCCS to provide a scientific advice on the safety of BHA when used in cosmetic products.
Interpretation of Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
The Global Cosmetic Ingredient Regulatory Database-Global CosIng, independently developed by CIRS Group indicates that BHA is included in the following key lists globally.
For more detailed information about Global CosIng or if you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via cosmetic@cirs-group.com.
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Further Information:
SCCS-Final Opinion on Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
