BHA
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 25013-16-5, Phenol, Tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 2(3)-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, Antrancine 12, Nipantiox 1-F, Tenox BHA, Butylohydroksyanizol, Butyl hydroxyanisole, BOA (antioxidant)
Synthetic
Antioxidant
Not Clean
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is a white, waxy solid mixture of 2- and 3-Tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole with a faint aromatic odor. Butylated Hydroxyanisole is a widely used synthetic antioxidant in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals mainly to preserve fats and oils. Butylated Hydroxyanisole is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 65.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C11H16O2
Mol. Weight
180.24
CAS #
25013-16-5
Form
Powder
State
Butylated hydroxyanisole appears as white, beige or slightly yellow waxy solid with an aromatic odor and a slightly bitter burning taste. (NTP, 1992)
Functions
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Neutralizes Free Radicals
Traditional Use
Salicylic acid, derived from willow bark used for centuries in traditional medicine for inflammation and pain. Its exfoliating properties were recognized in modern skincare in the 1980s for treating acne and oily skin.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
No
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
No
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR