The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has published its final scientific opinion on the safety of Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), a widely used antioxidant in cosmetic products. The assessment follows a public consultation process that began in late 2025 and confirms the conclusions of the committee’s preliminary opinion.
BHA is commonly used in cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and food applications to prevent oxidation and extend product shelf life. However, the ingredient has attracted regulatory attention due to concerns regarding its potential endocrine-disrupting properties. As part of the European Union’s ongoing review of substances that may interfere with hormonal systems, SCCS was asked to evaluate whether BHA poses a risk to consumers when used in cosmetic products.
Based on its risk assessment, SCCS concluded that BHA is safe when used in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products at concentrations up to 0.07%. The committee emphasized that this conclusion applies only to products intended for dermal application and does not cover oral care products or cosmetics that may result in inhalation exposure.
The decision demonstrates the EU’s science-based approach to cosmetic ingredient regulation. While endocrine-disruption concerns remain an important consideration, the available scientific evidence indicates that BHA can be safely used within the specified concentration limits. The opinion may provide greater regulatory certainty for cosmetic manufacturers using BHA in formulations across the European market.