Original source
Scientific Advice on Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
- Official date
- 2026-04-16
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Instrument: SCCS Scientific Advice (SCCS/1682/25). Scope: Safety of BHA (CAS 25013-16-5) in cosmetic products, considering potential endocrine disrupting properties. Conclusion: Safe up to 0.07% in leave-on and rinse-off products; not applicable to oral care or inhalation exposure. Adopted: 26 March 2026. Publication Date: 16 April 2026. Requested by: European Commission.
The SCCS has issued a scientific advice concluding that BHA is safe in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products up to 0.07%. This applies only to dermal use, not oral care or inhalable products. The assessment does not cover environmental safety.
Official text
English translation — the official-language text prevails
In light of technical and scientific progress, available scientific literature, relevant in silico tools and the SCCS’ expert judgement and taking under consideration in particular the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties, the SCCS is requested: 1. to identify and justify whether there are specific concerns regarding the use of BHA in cosmetic products; 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. 2. to highlight if there is a potential risk for human health from the use of BHA in cosmetic products; 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.