BEAUTY
BHT: The Stabilizing Skincare Ingredient You've Never Heard Of
By LESLIE LEON
There’s a chance you’ve crossed paths with BHT in your skincare products, even though it isn’t exactly a household name. While it’s something of a divisive component and less mainstream than AHAs, BHAs, and hyaluronic acid, it is vital in all of the skincare products it’s included in.
What Is BHT?
Short for butylated hydroxytoluene, BHT is an ingredient that is added to skincare goods to boost shelf life and can keep your products from totally oxidizing and changing after they’ve been exposed to air. While BHT in skincare products is synthetically made, it has been found in freshwater plants.
What Does BHT Do?
The role of BHT is not only to protect and maintain active ingredients in your skincare product and to keep free radicals from oxidizing and damaging your skin, but also to ensure you can use your products for a prolonged amount of time without them losing potency. It is inexpensive and won’t add any nutrients and minerals to the skin.
Is BHT Safe For The Skin?
BHT has been included in skincare products for several decades and there’s been a lot of research regarding the impact of BHT on skin, with several studies showing that it is okay to include in skincare products. It is always recommended to do a patch test before using any new BHT product, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The BHT Controversy
While BHT has been approved for food, cosmetics, and personal care products, some studies have suggested that it may have potential health risks when consumed or applied in high amounts. Further research on BHT safety is needed, but it is found to be generally safe while used in cosmetic and skincare products.