SCCS Scientific advice on Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

SCCS members: U. Bernauer (Rapporteur), L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraads (Chairperson), J. Ezendam, E. Gaffet, C. L. Galli, E. Panteri, V. Rogiers, Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, T. Vanhaecke, S. Wijnhoven
SCCS external experts: E. Benfenati, N. Cabaton, E. Corsini, Ch. Delmaar, A. Koutsodimou, H. Louro, W. Uter, N. von Goetz 
Contact: SANTE-SCCSec [dot] europa [dot] eu (SANTE-SCCS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
On request from: European Commission
SCCS Number: SCCS/1682/25
Adopted on: 26 March 2026

Conclusion of the opinion:

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;

Based on the risk assessment, 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 risk for human health from the use of BHA in cosmetic products;

This SCCS Scientific Advice considered only dermal use and hence, is applicable for the use of BHA in dermally applied products, and not in oral care products or cosmetic products which may lead to exposure of the end-user's lungs by inhalation.

The SCCS mandate does not address environmental aspects. Therefore, this assessment has not covered the safety of BHA for the environment.

Keywords:

SCCS, scientific advice, Butylated Hydroxyanisole, BHA, Regulation 1223/2009, CAS No. 25013-16-5, EC No. 246-563-8.

Opinion to be cited as:

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), scientific advice on the safety of Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) (CAS No. 25013-16-5, EC No. 246-563-8) as a substance with potential endocrine disrupting properties in cosmetic products, preliminary version of 30 October 2025, final version of 26 March 2026, SCCS/1682/25.