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Annex III Entry 325 11/11/2022

Butylated Hydroxytoluene

2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Methylphenol

Butylated Hydroxytoluene is listed in Annex III and may only be used under the conditions shown in this record. Maximum concentration in this record: a) 0,001 % b) 0,1 % c) 0,8 %.

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Restricted substance— Annex III, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Max conc.: a) 0,001 % b) 0,1 % c) 0,8 %
Entry: 325

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 128-37-0
CAS 128-37-0PubChem CID 31404

2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol

2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol is a member of the class of phenols that is 4-methylphenol substituted by tert-butyl groups at positions 2 and 6. It has a role as a ferroptosis inhibitor, a geroprotector, an antioxidant and a food additive. It is functionally related to a phenol. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
2,6-ditert-butyl-4-methylphenol
Molecular formula
C15H24O
Molecular weight
220.35 g/mol
Exact mass
220.182715385 Da
XLogP3
5.3
Topological polar surface area
20.2 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
1
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Butylhydroxytoluene2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol2,6-Di-t-butyl-4-methylphenolIonolStavoxDBPCImpruvolDalpac
16 more reported names
DeenaxIonoleKerabitTopanolVianolIonol CPAntioxidant KBAntioxidant 4KSumilizer BHTTopanol OTopanol OCVanlube PCAntioxidant 29Antioxidant 30Sustane BHTTenamene 3
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match31404

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Soap wash - If this chemical contacts the skin, wash the contaminated skin with soap and water.; Breathing: Fresh air; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 4.6% (306 of 6619) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H400 (42.6%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H410 (84.3%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P273, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 6619 reports by companies from 92 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 306 of 6619 reports by companies.; There are 91 notifications provided by 6313 of 6619 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P273, P280, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P318, P319, P321, P337+P317, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H313: May be harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P272, P280, P301+P317, P302+P317, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Signal: Warning Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Health Effects: BHT is of low acute toxicity. Acute exposure to BHT can cause coughs and sore throat (inhalation), redness on the skin (via contact) and abdominal pain, confusion, dizziness and nausea (via ingestion). Long-term exposure to high doses of BHT is toxic in mice and rats, causing liver, thyroid and kidney problems and affecting lung function and blood coagulation. BHT can act as a tumour promoter in certain situations (A15353) although it is not a genotoxic carcinogen. Limited evidence suggests that high doses of BHT may mimic estrogen (A15354), the primary female sex hormone, and prevent expression of male sex hormones, resulting in adverse reproductive affects. On chronic oral exposure of rats, liver and thyroid are the main targets. Doses above 25 mg/kg bw/day BHT resulted in thyroid hyperactivity and enlargement of the liver. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • NFPA Health Rating: 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Butylated hydroxytoluene( BHT) is a white, crystalline, odorless solid. It is used as an antioxidant for fats and oils or in packaging material for fat containing foods. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes and skin. ANIMAL STUDIES: Rats fed high doses of BHT, showed increases in serum cholesterol in both sexes. Groups of weanling rats fed BHT in conjunction with lard supplementation had a reduction in growth rate, especially in males. BHT also increased absolute liver weight and the ratio of liver weight to body weight in both sexes. BHT increased the ratio of left adrenal weight to body weight in male rats but had no consistent effect in female rats. BHT administered to rats for 68-82 days caused reduction in rate of increase in weight and fatty infiltration of the liver. BHT was given in feed of rats and mice of both sex at 3000 or 6000 ppm; in rats 105 wk and 107 or 108 wk in mice. No tumors occurred in either sex of rats and mice. When tested for teratogenic properties BHT produced anophthalmia in offspring in rats, but not in mice. BHT administered to pregnant mice for 18 days along with another group f Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: BHT is metabolized to quinone methides (QMs) which are responsible for promoting tumor formation in many animal models. One example of a QM is 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylenecyclohexa-2,5-dienone (BHT-QM). QMs are strongly electrophilic and readily form adducts with proteins. Some of the QM targets include redox proteins such as glutathione S-transferase P1 (GST-P1), peroxiredoxin 6 (Prx6), Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), carbonyl reductase, and selenium-binding protein 1, which have direct or indirect antioxidant functions. (A15087, A15355). The modification of these proteins leads to decreased cellular protection from electrophiles and oxidants. Alkylation also may interfere with GSTP1 regulation of stress kinases, thereby influencing phosphorylation and cell growth. BHT also binds to the retinoic acid receptor which can lead to changes in cell development. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: BCF values 330-1800, 230-2500 and 220-2800 were measured for 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol present at 5, 50 and 500 ppb, respectively, using rice fish (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed over a 6 to 8-week period(1). According to a classification scheme(2), these BCF values suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high to very high(SRC), provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1.5X10+4(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.5X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). 2,6-Di-t-butyl-p-cresol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 5.16X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Utilizing three soil innocula, 48.4-57.3% biodegradation was reached in 24 days(5) indicating that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1.5X10+4(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.5X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 5 hrs and 6 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), BCF values of 330-1800, 230-2500 and 220-2800(6) suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high to very high, provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC). Utilizing a sludge innocula, 4.5% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in four weeks(6) indicating that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol, which has a vapor pressure of 5.16X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 0.6 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.8X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). 2,6-Di-t-butyl-p-cresol absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Heat transferring agent; Antioxidant; Plating agent; UV stabilizer; Lubricating agent; Polymerization promoter; Dispersing agent; Soil amendments (fertilizers); Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Stabilizing agent; Preservative; Fragrance Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Plating agent; Heat transferring agent; Antioxidant; Processing aids not otherwise specified; UV stabilizer; Surfactant (surface active agent); Lubricating agent; Polymerization promoter; Dispersing agent; Defoamer; Heat stabilizer; Stabilizing agent; Preservative; Soil amendments (fertilizers); Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Fragrance Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used as an anti-oxidant in gasoline, oils, waxes, rubbers, paints, and plastics; purified forms are used as anti-oxidants in foods; [ACGIH] Used as an anti-skinning agent in paints and inks; [Merck Index] BHT is a preservative and anti-oxidant used in food, cosmetics, and medications. Industrial applications include: animal feeds, jet fuels, rubber, plastics, paints, and glues. [Marks, p. 138-9] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Farming (Feed Additives) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 022105) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Reported uses (ppm):; Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994) [Table#2880] Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Antioxidant for food, animal feed, petroleum products, synthetic rubbers, plastics, animal and vegetable oils, soaps. Antiiskinning agent in paints and inks Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: BHT is used as an antioxidant which finds many applications in a wide variety of industries. It is used in ground vehicle and aviation gasolines; lubricating, turbine, and insulation oils; waxes, synthetic and natural rubbers, paints, plastics, and elastomers. It protects these materials from oxidation during prolonged storage. Highly purified grades are suitable for use in foods to retard oxidation of animal fats, vegetable oils, and oil-soluble vitamins. It is also used in cosmetics and food packaging materials such as waxed paper, paper board, and polyethylene. It is important in delaying the onset of rancidity of oils and fats in animal feeds, and in preserving the essential nutrients and pigment-forming compounds of these foods. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for 2,6-DI-T-BUTYL-P-CRESOL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: BHT is primarily used as an antioxidant food additive (E number E321) as well as an antioxidant additive in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil, and embalming fluid. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Maximum concentration

a) 0,001 % b) 0,1 % c) 0,8 %

Product type

Mouthwash Toothpaste Other leave-on and rinse-off products

Other restrictions

From 1 July 2023 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the restrictions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 January 2024 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the restrictions shall not be made available on the Union market.

INCI glossary name

Butylated Hydroxytoluene

Chemical name

2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Methylphenol

Chemical / IUPAC name

2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Methylphenol

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EU) 2022/2195

See every entry this act set

Identified ingredients

Key data

CAS
128-37-0
EC
204-881-4
Annex
III
Entry number
325

Inventory links for Butylated Hydroxytoluene

Inventory Identified ingredient
Ref 32185

BHT

CAS: 128-37-0
EC: 204-881-4

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex III are shown as well.

Annex III 379
Shared product type

Silver

CAS: 7440-22-4
EC: 231-131-3
Annex III 326
Nearby record in the same annex

Acid Yellow 3

CAS: 8004-92-0
EC: 305-897-5
Annex III 327
Nearby record in the same annex

Acetyl Cedrene

CAS: 32388-55-9
EC: 251-020-3
Annex III 328
Nearby record in the same annex

Amyl Salicylate

CAS: 2050-08-0
EC: 218-080-2

What Annex III means for Butylated Hydroxytoluene

Butylated Hydroxytoluene is a restricted substance under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Its use in cosmetics is only permitted under the specific conditions set out in the entry above, including applicable concentration limits, product type restrictions and required warning statements.

When including this substance in a formulation, all conditions — maximum concentration, product scope and warning labels — must be met simultaneously. Compliance with one condition does not override the others.

This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 11 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Ensure formulation concentration does not exceed: a) 0,001 % b) 0,1 % c) 0,8 %
  • Confirm product type compatibility: a) Mouthwash b) Toothpaste c) Other leave-on and rinse-off products
  • Document conditions of use in the Product Information File (PIF).

Frequently asked questions

Butylated Hydroxytoluene is listed in Annex III of EU Regulation 1223/2009 as a restricted substance. It may only be used under the conditions specified in the entry, including any maximum concentration, product type limitation and required warning statements shown above.

CAS 128-37-0 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Butylated Hydroxytoluene by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

The maximum concentration of a) 0,001 % b) 0,1 % c) 0,8 % applies to the concentration of the substance in the ready-to-use cosmetic product. When the substance is supplied as part of a blend or mixture, the calculation must account for the contribution of all sources in the formulation. The combined concentration must not exceed the stated limit.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex III record Butylated Hydroxytoluene

This page summarizes one Annex III record for Butylated Hydroxytoluene from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex III conditions for Butylated Hydroxytoluene, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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