SCCS Issued Scientific Advice Open for Comments on BHA

On November 17, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued a preliminary opinion (SCCS/1682/25) on Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) (CAS No. 25013-16-5). The deadline for comments is set for January 19, 2026.

Scientific Advice on Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

The SCCS concludes the following:

• The SCCS considers the use of BHA in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products up to a concentration of 0.07% as safe.
• This SCCS Opinion 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.

Interpretation of Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

The Global Cosmetic Ingredient Regulatory Database – Global CosIng, independently developed by CIRS Group, indicates that BHA is included in the following key lists globally.

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Further Information

https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/502956f3-471d-4e2d-899f-08aa4511bb90_en?filename=sccs_o_306.pdf