What Is BHT (BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE) And Why You Should Avoid It.
It’s that time again – time to discuss yet another toxic chemical/ingredient in our food and skin care products! Butylated Hydroxytoluene, or BHT, is an anti-oxidant which reacts with oxygen free radicals to slow down the autoxidation rate of ingredients in a product that can cause changes in the taste or color. As such, it is primarily used to prevent fats in foods from becoming rancid – but it is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil, and embalming fluid. Yummy! Sure sounds like something that should definitely be in our food, right? Turns out this additive, used in all the above, has a lovely MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) that says the following:
- Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
- Combustible.
- Ingestion causes Abdominal pain. Confusion. Dizziness. Nausea. Vomiting.
- The substance may have effects on the liver.
- The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.
Makes it look even more appetizing to have in our food and in our cosmetics! The Cosmetics Database rates BHT as having a “high hazard to high hazard depending on product usage” and says it has been shown to be linked to cancer, developmental toxicity, allergies, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, biochemical or cellular level changes. So what kinds of products, other than our food (it is FDA approved for use in food), can BHT be found in? How about a short list as a primer for you to check out:
- BUMBLE AND BUMBLE DEHYDRATION THERAPY COMPLEX
- Neutrogena Sunblock Stick, SPF 60+
- Avon ANEW ULTIMATE Skin Transforming Cream
- K-Y Touch Massage 2-in-1 Warming Body Massage & Personal Lubricant
- CVS Beauty Bars Sensitive Skin
- Dove Beauty Bar Soap, Sensitive Skin
- PRESCRIPTIVES BROWSHAPING PENCIL
- Neutrogena Skin Smoothing Body Lotion
Pretty popular products, right? And who wants to use a product or eat a food that has ingredients also used in jet fuels and embalming fluid? Before you buy a product, I highly suggest you check out lists like the one I referenced to see exactly what you are buying.
Post from: The Good Human
What Is BHT (BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE) And Why You Should Avoid It.
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- Hormone-Altering Cosmetics Chemicals Found in Teenage Girls.
- Guide To Finding Safe, Eco-Friendly Sunscreen.
