EU SCCS Confirms BHA Safety in Cosmetics Despite Endocrine Disruption Concerns

On April 16, 2026, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released its scientific advice concerning the safety of Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) in cosmetic products, following a public consultation initiated in November 2025. The final opinion upholds the conclusions set out in the preliminary assessment.¹

Although not currently regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Cosmetics Regulation), BHA has long been used as an antioxidant in a range of industries, including personal care, pharmaceuticals, and food, to extend product shelf life. Despite its extensive history of use, BHA is suspected of having endocrine-disrupting properties. In light of the potential health concerns associated with the substance, SCCS has been tasked with evaluating its use in cosmetic products in view of technical and scientific progress.

On the basis of its risk assessment, SCCS concludes that BHA is safe when used in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products at concentrations up to 0.07%. The committee further clarifies that this conclusion applies only to dermally applied products, and excludes oral care products as well as those that may result in inhalation exposure.

Further Reading

• EU SCCS Assesses Safety of Heliotropin in Fine Fragrances for Adults

• EU SCCS Identifies Safety Risks in Prostaglandin Analogues, Basic Blue 99, Basic Brown 16, Thiomersal, and Phenylmercuric Salts

• Understanding the EU GPSR: What It Means for the Cosmetics Industry