Antioxidants Oral & topical

BHA

BHA is a synthetic antioxidant used in supplements and cosmetics, with potential health risks.

Sci.Not specified bha butylated hydroxyanisole BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
2 forms
1.5 /5 avg.
Oral & topical

About BHA

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic antioxidant preservative commonly used in food, supplements, and beauty products to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life. However, it has been associated with potential carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting effects, raising concerns about its safety in long-term use.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
1669

At a glance

Approval status

GRAS for food use, but concerns exist for supplements and cosmetics.

Compare All Forms

2 forms

Compare supplement forms of BHA by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
  • CAS: 25013-16-5
  • Label category: synthetic
 — — — View →
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

Potential carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting effects.

  • CAS: 25013-16-5
  • DSLD group id: 8572
  • Label category: Synthetic
 — — — View →

Type: Antioxidants

Category for Antioxidants ingredients

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with BHA forms:

Antioxidant Properties Antioxidant Protection

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with BHA forms:

Potential Carcinogenic Effects How serious: Moderate Endocrine Disruption How serious: Moderate Skin Irritation How serious: Mild

What does the research say?

BHA has been studied for its antioxidant properties and its role in preventing oxidative stress in various biological systems. Research indicates its effectiveness in preserving food and cosmetic products, as well as its potential health benefits.