As part of the assessment of substances that may have endocrine disrupting properties, the European Commission has asked the SCCS to evaluate the safety of Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA). The Scientific Committee has just published its preliminary Advice.
Background
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (CAS No.25013-16-5, EC No.246-563-8, INCI: BHA) is an ingredient listed in the Cosing, with the functions: Antioxidant, Fragrance.
The substance is currently not regulated by European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
BHA is closely related to BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), which has been evaluated by the SCCS in view of its potential endocrine activity. In its Opinion, the SCCS concluded on the safety (under certain conditions) of BHT, when used in cosmetic products.
BHA is also suspected of being an endocrine disruptor.
For an exhaustive background information, see the article
• Fragrances: three requests for Opinion to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 14 October 2024
The SCCS Advice
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;
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 …
