Butylated Hydroxytoluene

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic, lipid-soluble phenolic antioxidant derived from petroleum-based p-cresol, widely used in cosmetics to prevent oxidative rancidity in oils, fats, and waxes. Its mechanism involves donating hydrogen atoms to free radicals, effectively interrupting the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation and extending the shelf life of oil-containing formulations. Formulators favor BHT for its low cost, high efficacy at very low concentrations (typically 0.01–0.1%), and excellent stability across a wide range of processing temperatures, though it has faced scrutiny over potential skin sensitization and environmental persistence concerns.