What Is BHT (BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE) And Why You Should Avoid It.
It’s that time again – time to discuss yet another toxic chemical/ingredient in our food and skin care products! Butylated Hydroxytoluene, or BHT, is an anti-oxidant which reacts with oxygen free radicals to slow down the autoxidation rate of ingredients in a product that can cause changes in the taste or color. As such, it is primarily used to prevent fats in foods from becoming rancid – but it is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil, and embalming fluid. Yummy! Sure sounds like something that should definitely be in our food, right? Turns out this additive, used in all the above, has a lovely MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) that says the following:
- Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
- Combustible.
- Ingestion causes Abdominal pain. Confusion. Dizziness. Nausea. Vomiting.
- The substance may have effects on the liver.
- The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.
Makes it look even more appetizing to have in our food and in our cosmetics! The Cosmetics Database rates BHT as having a “high hazard to high hazard depending on product usage” and says it has been shown to be linked to cancer, developmental toxicity, allergies, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, biochemical or cellular level changes. So what kinds of products, other than our food (it is FDA approved for use in food), can BHT be found in? How about a short list as a primer for you to check out:
- BUMBLE AND BUMBLE DEHYDRATION THERAPY COMPLEX
- Neutrogena Sunblock Stick, SPF 60+
- Avon ANEW ULTIMATE Skin Transforming Cream
- K-Y Touch Massage 2-in-1 Warming Body Massage & Personal Lubricant
- CVS Beauty Bars Sensitive Skin
- Dove Beauty Bar Soap, Sensitive Skin
- PRESCRIPTIVES BROWSHAPING PENCIL
- Neutrogena Skin Smoothing Body Lotion
Pretty popular products, right? And who wants to use a product or eat a food that has ingredients also used in jet fuels and embalming fluid? Before you buy a product, I highly suggest you check out lists like the one I referenced to see exactly what you are buying.
You may also like:
- What Is Propylene Glycol And Why You Should Avoid It.
- What Is Polyethylene And Why Should You Avoid It?
- What Are Methylparabens And Why You Should Avoid Them.
- What Is DEA (diethanolamine) And Why You Should Avoid It.
- Guide To Finding Safe, Eco-Friendly Sunscreen.
Related Websites
Like this post? If so, please consider subscribing to my full feed RSS. Or, if you would prefer, you can subscribe by Email and have new posts sent directly to your inbox:
I remember reading many years ago that the EDTA in mayonnaise is also used in powdered laundry detergent to keep it from getting clumps so it would flow easily. Barf.
I remember reading many years ago that the EDTA in mayonnaise is also used in powdered laundry detergent to keep it from getting clumps so it would flow easily. Barf.
P.S. – Sorry, forgot to tell you great post!
Great post! I just decided to do a look up because I know BHT is in a lot of preserved meats and other products. I bought 2 bottles of Aveeno 30 sunblock and it was the FIRST ingredient!! Yikes! It works really well and I don’t get burned but I think I need to find another natural alternative.
Most natural sunscreens make your skin look white. lol. I’ve been trying to avoid this but I don’t want those chemicals on me or in me. Yuck! Back to the drawing board….