BHA

BHA

Low hazard

Is BHA safe in skincare?

Low hazardHazard 2/10

CIR safe as used / SCCS: safe within its limit

Based on

  • Reference: Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel

    Safe as used · CIR report 890 conclusion

  • Reference: SCCS

    SCCS: safe up to the set limit · SCCS opinion SCCS/1682/25

Is BHA classified as a carcinogen?

Only four bodies count here: IARC, EU CLP, US NTP and California Prop 65.

Classified as US NTP Reasonably Anticipated (oral exposure basis).

Exposure route: oral exposure

Based on

  • Reference: IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), WHO

    IARC Group 2B

  • Reference: US National Toxicology Program (NTP)

    US NTP Reasonably Anticipated

  • Reference: California OEHHA

    California Prop 65

How is BHA regulated?

Cosmetic ingredient

Not found on any prescription-drug, professional-treatment, or US OTC monograph list, so it is treated as a cosmetic ingredient. This is a passive default ("not on any known restricted list"), not an individually verified positive finding.

Products that list this ingredient

26 products in our catalog list this ingredient. Here are the 12 with the most reviews.

Sources (5)

  • Reference: Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
  • Reference: SCCS
  • Reference: IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), WHO
  • Reference: US National Toxicology Program (NTP)
  • Reference: California OEHHA

Red does not mean poison. Preservatives that stop a product going off, UV filters and fragrance can land on yellow or red depending on their score.

Green does not mean right for you. Skin and allergies differ from person to person. Treat the color as a starting point.