Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant added to cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidative degradation of oils, fats, and other ingredients, thereby extending product shelf life and stability. It functions as a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-treatment active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies but uncommon relative to its widespread use. |
Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild localized irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated case reports of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.