
Butylated hydroxytoluene, commonly known as BHT, is a synthetic antioxidant that is widely used as a food additive. It is also employed in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the rubber and petroleum industries. BHT is added to products to prevent or slow down the oxidation of fats and oils, helping to extend their shelf life.
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CAS Number
128-37-0
HS Code
2907.19.90
Molecular Formula
C₁₅H₂₄O
INCI Name
Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT)
Butylated hydroxytoluene, commonly known as BHT, is a synthetic antioxidant that is widely used as a food additive. It is also employed in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the rubber and petroleum industries. BHT is added to products to prevent or…
CAS Number
128-37-0
INCI Name
Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT)
HS Code
2907.19.90
Molecular Formula
C₁₅H₂₄O
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| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Odor | Very faint, musty, occasional cresylic-type odor |
| Viscosity | 3.47 centistokes at 0 °C |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Refractive Index | 1.4859 at 75 °C/D |
| Molecular Weight (G/Mol) | 220.35 |
| Density Or Specific Gravity | 1.048 g/cm³ at 68 °F |
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Water Solubility | less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F |
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | 260 °F |
| Boiling Point | 509 °F at 760 mmHg |
| Melting Point | 156 to 160 °F |
Add Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) during the oil phase of cream production, as it is oil-soluble. Incorporate it at low concentrations (typically 0.01–0.1%), and ensure even dispersion by mixing thoroughly before emulsification to enhance antioxidant protection and product stability.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Sunflower Oil | 25% |
| Beeswax | 15% |
| Candelilla Wax | 5% |
| Shea Butter | 10% |
| Coconut Oil | 15% |
| Jojoba Oil | 5% |
| Zinc Oxide | 20% |
| Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) | 0.05% |
| Vitamin E Acetate | 1% |
| Tocopherol | 0.5% |
| Deionized Water | 2.95% |
| Fragrance (optional) | 0.5% |
Add Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) to the oil or surfactant phase of the shampoo formulation, as it is lipid-soluble. Use at low levels (0.01–0.1%), ensuring uniform distribution to prevent oxidation of oils, fragrances, and other sensitive ingredients.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Primary Surfactants | 8-12% |
| Secondary Surfactants | 2-5% |
| Foaming Agents | 2-8% |
| Butylated Hydroxy Toluene | 0.01-0.1% |
| Water | 70-80% |
| Emollients, Humectants, Preservatives, Thickeners, pH Adjusters, etc. |
In makeup foundation formulation, add Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) to the oil phase during heating to ensure it fully dissolves and effectively protects oils from oxidation.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Water (Aqua) | 50% |
| Cyclopentasiloxane | 10% |
| Dimethicone | 5% |
| Glycerin | 3% |
| Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) | 0.1% |
| Butylene Glycol | 2% |
| Sodium Chloride | 0.5% |
| Titanium Dioxide | 5% |
| Iron Oxides | 5% |
| Phenoxyethanol | 0.8% |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | 0.2% |
| Fragrance |
In lip balm production, add Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) to the melted oil and wax phase to ensure complete dissolution and antioxidant protection.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Petrolatum | 40-50% |
| Paraffin Wax | 20% |
| Cera Alba (Beeswax) | 10% |
| Castor Oil | 10% |
| Butylated HydroxyToluene (BHT) | 0.1% |
| Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) | 0.5% |
| Aloe Vera Extract | 1% |
| Fragrance | 0.5% |
| Products | Authorized dosage % |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen Lotions, Creams | Upto 0.8% |
| Cosmetics Skin Care Creams, Lotions | Upto 0.8% |
| Hair Shampoo | 0.01-0.1% |
Alkylation of p-cresol with isobutylene (Yield ~90–95%)
Alkylation of p-cresol with isobutylene (Yield ~90–95%) Raw Materials: p-Cresol, Isobutylene Overall Formula: C7H8O(pCresol) + 2C4H8(Isobutylene) →C15H24O (ButylatedHydroxyToluene) + Byproducts
Alkylation of p-cresol with isobutylene (Yield ~90–95%)
Alkylation of p-cresol with isobutylene (Yield ~90–95%) Raw Materials: p-Cresol, Isobutylene Overall Formula: C7H8O(pCresol) + 2C4H8(Isobutylene) →C15H24O (ButylatedHydroxyToluene) + Byproducts
| Region | Max Allowed Level | Notes | Certification Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | - | The FDA allows BHT as an antioxidant in cosmetics and personal care products but does not specify maximum concentrations. | FDA |
| European Union | - | Considered safe when used at a maximum concentration in Toothpaste: 0.1%, Mouthwash: 0.001%, Other leave-on and rinse-off products: 0.8% | - |
| Japan | - | BHT is permitted as an antioxidant in cosmetics, but no official maximum concentration is set. | MHLW – Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare |
| United Kingdom | - | BHT is now considered a restricted substance in the UK. | - |
| India | - | No explicit national regulation for BHT in cosmetics | - |
| China | - | Not listed as prohibited/restricted | NMPA - National Medical Products Administration |
| Korea, Republic of | - | No explicit maximum | MFDS - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety |
| ASEAN | - | No explicit maximum | - |
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