Ingredient glossary
BHT
On your shelf ✓What BHT does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: BHT · Also: Butylated hydroxytoluene
In short: BHT delivers antioxidant and preservation, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is strong. One thing to know: clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently.
- What it does
- Antioxidant, preservation
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- Clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
Quiet, essential, and nothing to fear.
BHT keeps a product safe to use from the first pump to the last, at tiny amounts. Not something you pay a premium for.
— Maya
What it does
- antioxidant
- preservation
strong evidenceCIR and SCCS opinions conclude butylated hydroxytoluene is safe as a cosmetic antioxidant in present practices of use, typically below about 0.5 percent leave on. Sensitisation is low but potential endocrine activity is still monitored by regulators.
On a label: usually effective at 0.01-0.5%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- all
Approach with care
- rare allergy
- pregnancy
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: rare allergy, pregnancy.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
BHT, answered
Is BHT safe during pregnancy?
Clear it with your doctor first. BHT is flagged as use-with-caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so check with your doctor or midwife before adding it.
Who should avoid BHT?
Approach BHT with care if any of these apply to you: rare allergy and pregnancy. Its irritation risk is moderate, so introduce it slowly and patch test first.
What concentration of BHT actually works?
BHT tends to do its job in the 0.01 to 0.5% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
During pregnancy
Treat BHT as a maybe rather than a yes for now. It is flagged as one to use with caution while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is worth clearing before you carry on.
When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife. They outrank any website, including this one.When it is worth booking →
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