BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole)

Also known as: Butylated hydroxyanisole, E320

Varies by useunder our published method

Varies by use. The concern our method flags differs by product type and market — see the per-use verdicts below.

By NordicScan Evidence Engine · generated from structured evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.

What it is

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole, E320) is a synthetic antioxidant that keeps fats and oils from going rancid. It appears in some processed foods and in cosmetics such as lipsticks and moisturisers.

Why people ask

BHA turns up on both food and cosmetic labels, and shoppers ask why some authorities list it while regulators still allow it.

What our method flags — by use

Food · US

In food, our method rates BHA as moderate-concern: it is a permitted antioxidant, but authority listings weigh on our method's signal.

The US lists BHA as a permitted antioxidant preservative under 21 CFR 182.3169, subject to quantity limits.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
US FDA	The US lists BHA as a permitted antioxidant preservative under 21 CFR 182.3169, subject to quantity limits.	authority_regulatory	2024-01-01	source
WHO / IARC	IARC classified BHA as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) — a hazard classification.	authority_regulatory	1986-01-01	source
California OEHHA — Proposition 65	California lists BHA under Proposition 65 as a substance the State identifies as a carcinogen.	authority_regulatory	1990-01-01	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Good (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

Cosmetic · EU

In EU cosmetics, our method rates BHA as higher-concern, driven by the EU's cosmetic review of it as an ingredient flagged for further study.

In the EU, BHA is flagged by the SCCS in opinion SCCS/1682/25 (adopted 26 March 2026) reviewing potential endocrine activity in dermal cosmetic use at in-use concentrations.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
EU SCCS / European Commission	In the EU, BHA is flagged by the SCCS in opinion SCCS/1682/25 (adopted 26 March 2026) reviewing potential endocrine activity in dermal cosmetic use at in-use concentrations.	authority_regulatory	2026-04-16	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

How this moves a product’s score

On a product's score, BHA contributes a concern signal our method weights differently for food and for EU cosmetics — the same antioxidant, reported per use because the driving authority signal differs.

Nordic Scan provides ingredient information and a concern score under our published method, for general consumer research. It is not medical advice and not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or determine the safety of any product. Decide for yourself.

Common questions

Is BHA banned?: No. It remains permitted in food with limits and is under EU cosmetic review; the per-use status and the authority listings are shown in the evidence table.

This is what BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) is. What’s in the products you buy? Scan a label and see the concern signals our method flags. Get the app.

Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · Sources checked 2026-07-08 · See how we score.