NOT Your BFF: BHT And BHA

9/2010

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene(BHT) in cosmetics?

Most people are familiar with the acronyms BHA and BHT ("added to preserve freshness" is how you see them on cereal boxes). But do you know what they are and what they do? Do we really need these chemicals in our skincare products?

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is a white or slightly yellow waxy solid and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a white powder. Both are chemical compounds that are used as antioxidants or preservatives in cosmetics. The purpose of these ingredients is to extend the shelf life of products that contain oils. When oils are exposed to oxygen, they become rancid over time. BHA and BHT are added to combat this.

BHT and BHA are found in thousands of products including eyeliners, eye shadows, lipsticks, lip gloss, blushes, foundations, perfumes, moisturizers, skin cleansers, Preparation H and even Desitin Diaper Cream. BHT and BHA are also used as food preservatives and are found in processed foods (chips, baked goods, sweets) butter, meats, sausage, poultry, cereals, chewing gum, active dry yeast, dry mixes for beverages, vegetable oils and beer. Actually BHT and BHA are so prevalent in packaged foods. It really drives me crazy. My kids favorite cereals are by General Mills: Honey Nut Cheerios and Coco Puffs (I know, I know, not the healthiest but at least it's not a fatty muffin or trans fat laden donut!) Anyway, Honey Nut Cheerios has vitamin E as a preservative but Coco Puffs has BHT and BHA. Who knows why? All I know is I've stopped buying Coco Puffs and all the other cereals with these chemicals. There are alternatives that are safer.

Okay, back to skin care. BHA is rated a 10 (highest hazard) on

www.cosmeticsdatabase.com and BHT is rated a 6 (moderate hazard). BHT and BHA are classified as possible human carcinogens. Studies with animals have shown that BHT causes liver, kidney and thyroid problems and can act as a tumor promoter.  In California, products that contain BHA must carry a warning label notifying consumers that it may cause cancer.  Limited studies have shown evidence that BHA interferes with hormone function. BHA is banned in the EU as a fragrance ingredient.  What's more, BHT and BHA have also been shown to be toxic to marine species and bioaccumulate.

So what's a consumer to do? Look for natural vitamin E (tocopherol) and rosemary oil extract in your products in place of BHT and BHA. Avoid tocopheryl acetate which has been shown to cause cancer and synthetic vitamin E also called d-alpha-tocopherol. Buy only the natural products that you can use up in 3-6 months for lotions and creams and 12 months for products containing just oils like makeup remover, body oils, and facial serums.

Be Green Bath and Body products that contain oils have natural vitamin E or rosemary oil extract as antioxidants.

"Nourish your skin safely” ™
Karen