BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
The question

Is BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) safe in lipstick?

AvoidLipstick

Synthetic antioxidant/preservative used in cosmetics and food. Classified as a possible human carcinogen and suspected hormone disruptor.

What the research flags

  • IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen
  • Endocrine disruption — interferes with thyroid and estrogen [inference]
  • EU restricts concentration in cosmetics
  • Bioaccumulates in body tissue

Regulatory
EU classifies BHA as endocrine disruptor category 1

Other lipstick ingredients on file

Sources & references

  1. [1]
    RegulatoryInternational regulator — iarc-monographs-on-the-identification-of-carcinogenic-hazards-to-humans
  2. [2]
    DatabaseIngredient database — 700366-BHA
  3. [3]
    Peer-reviewedPubMed / NCBI — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · ref 16979181

Research disclaimer: Ratings reflect peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments available at the time of publication, not the dose or formulation of any specific lipstick product. This is not medical advice.