AKA: Tert-Butylhydroquinone, 1948-33-0, 2-tert-Butylhydroquinone, T-BUTYLHYDROQUINONE, 2-t-Butylhydroquinone, 2-tert-Butyl-1, 4-benzenediol, Mono-tert-butylhydroquinone, Sustane
WHAT IS IT? Synthetic
Antioxidant
Fragrance
Not Clean
Origin TBHQ is synthesized from hydroquinone, a simple aromatic compound derived from benzene through oxidation and alkylation reactions. It is produced by tert-butylation of hydroquinone using isobutylene under acidic catalytic conditions.
1,4-Benzenediol, 2-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)-; 2-tert-Butyl-1,4-dihydroxybenzene; tert-Butyl hydroquinone
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
State
Tert-butylhydroquinone appears as white to light tan crystalline powder or a fine beige powder. Very slight aromatic odor. (NTP, 1992)
IS IT FOR ME? Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
WHAT’S IT DO? Functions
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Neutralizes Free Radicals
CAN I TRUST THIS? The paper trail
🛡️ Safety-assessed 0 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
IS IT CLEAN? CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
CIR Panel statement found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 118)
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 171)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 171)
Regulatory Status
JAPAN ⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
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