t-Butyl Hydroquinone
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Tert-Butylhydroquinone, 1948-33-0, 2-tert-Butylhydroquinone, T-BUTYLHYDROQUINONE, 2-t-Butylhydroquinone, 2-tert-Butyl-1, 4-benzenediol, Mono-tert-butylhydroquinone, Sustane
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Safety Concern
Not Clean
2-tert-Butyl-1,4-benzenediol is found in fats and oils. 2-tert-Butyl-1,4-benzenediol is an antioxidant used in food, e.g. oils and fats. Polym. inhibitor
2-tert-Butyl-1,4-benzenediol belongs to the family of Cumenes. These are aromatic compounds containing a prop-2-ylbenzene moiety.
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C10H14O2
Mol. Weight
166.22
CAS #
123-31-9
Form
Liquid
State
Tert-butylhydroquinone appears as white to light tan crystalline powder or a fine beige powder. Very slight aromatic odor. (NTP, 1992)
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Neutralizes Free Radicals
Traditional Use
A synthetic antioxidant developed in the mid-20th century, used in cosmetics and skincare products to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life of formulations.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
No
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
No
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR