BIOXAN®: Naturally Replacing BHT
BIOXAN®: Natural Antioxidant Solutions for Replacing BHT in Cosmetic Formulations
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The Shift Toward Natural Antioxidants in Cosmetics
The cosmetic industry is evolving rapidly as brands, formulators and consumers move away from synthetic ingredients and toward more natural, sustainable alternatives. Antioxidants play a critical role in preserving cosmetic formulations, especially in products rich in vegetable oils, anhydrous systems, and fragrances that are highly susceptible to oxidation.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) has long been used as a powerful synthetic antioxidant. However, increasing regulatory scrutiny, safety concerns, and clean-label trends are accelerating the transition toward natural antioxidant strategies, with tocopherols emerging as one of the most effective and reliable alternatives.
Concerns About BHT & Regulatory Developments
Endocrine-Disruption Risk
The EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has raised concerns regarding the potential endocrine-disrupting properties of BHT. Although the evidence is not fully conclusive, these concerns have influenced regulatory decision-making and driven the reevaluation of BHT use in cosmetic products.
Toxicity & Bioaccumulation
Studies indicate that higher doses and long-term exposure to BHT may raise questions related to toxicity and bioaccumulation. The lack of comprehensive data on chronic exposure has contributed to a precautionary regulatory approach, reinforcing the demand for safer, naturally derived alternatives.
EU Regulatory Limits – Regulation (EU) 2022/2195
The European Union has established strict concentration limits for BHT in cosmetic products:
- Mouthwash: ≤ 0.001 % BHT
- Toothpaste: ≤ 0.1 % BHT
- Other rinse-off & leave-on products (skin and hair): ≤ 0.8 % BHT
These limits reflect a clear regulatory trend toward restricting synthetic antioxidants and encouraging innovation in natural formulation strategies.
SCCS Safety Opinion (SCCS/1636/21)
The SCCS concludes that BHT is considered safe when used within the established limits, but explicitly highlights concerns related to endocrine disruption. Importantly, the opinion does not assess environmental impact, leaving sustainability considerations unaddressed.
BIOXAN®: A Natural Alternative to BHT
To support formulators in this regulatory and market transition, BTSA has developed BIOXAN®, a range of high-performance mixed tocopherols specifically designed for cosmetic applications.
At BTSA, we offer BIOXAN®, a natural antioxidant solution that effectively protects cosmetic formulations against oxidation while enabling the replacement of BHT without compromising product stability, performance, or sensory quality.
Key Benefits of BIOXAN® (Mixed Tocopherols)
- Natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants
- Strong protection against lipid oxidation
- Preserves color, odor and texture
- Supports clean-label and sustainable cosmetics
Case Study: Replacing BHT in Grape Seed Oil Formulations
Formulation Challenge
Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil) is widely used in cosmetic formulations due to its lightweight texture, high linoleic acid content, and skin-nourishing properties. Rich in natural antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids, it delivers excellent sensorial performance without leaving a greasy feel.
However, its highly unsaturated lipid profile makes grape seed oil particularly prone to oxidative degradation, traditionally requiring synthetic antioxidants such as BHT to ensure stability.
Natural Solution with BIOXAN®
BTSA evaluated the replacement of BHT with BIOXAN® mixed tocopherols as a natural antioxidant strategy for grape seed oil-based formulations.
Through advanced oxidative stability testing, BTSA demonstrated that BIOXAN® effectively:
- Protects the oil from oxidative rancidity
- Maintains sensory properties over time
- Extends shelf life without synthetic antioxidants
- Enables clean-label positioning
Results
Rancimat Hours
Why Choose BTSA as Your Antioxidant Partner
BTSA combines scientific expertise with application-focused innovation to support cosmetic formulators at every stage of product development:
- Tailored natural antioxidant solutions
- In-house laboratory and R&D capabilities
- Advanced oxidation testing methodologies
- Deep expertise in cosmetic and personal care formulations
Let’s Protect Your Formulations, Naturally
If your cosmetic project requires effective oxidation control while meeting regulatory, sustainability and clean-label expectations, BIOXAN® is your natural alternative to BHT.
