Questionable ingredients in cosmetics: butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA) and BHT
Butylated hydroxytoluene should be banned because of the unspeakability of its 18 characters, but that's not the real reason. Because: BHT is a chemical with unexplained effects on the skin. Why is the substance used so often in cosmetics anyway. Time to take a look at the state of knowledge and time for better cosmetics..
GHS hazard label says: Dangerous
In the globally harmonized system for labeling hazardous substances, BHT appears together with the warning symbol for environmentally hazardous substances because it is hazardous to the aquatic environment. On the sign itself, a fish dies in front of a deserted tree. Why should reputable cosmetics rely on a substance that is globally classified as dangerous?
Butylated hydroxytoluene is a colorless and odorless crystalline solid. Only a few plant or bacterial species produce BHT themselves. The compound is one of the tuluene derivatives or phenols and the main thing is that the industry produces the substance in order to use it in various products such as paints and waxes, pharmaceuticals, packaging materials, pesticides and under the name E 321 in food.
But cosmetics manufacturers also rely on the substance because they use it as an antioxidant, as in food, i.e. as a cheap preservative.f.
The problem, however, is that although no one knows exactly how much the substance is harmful to humans, it is permitted in certain quantities.
The dangers of BHT
In animal experiments with high doses of BHT, various symptoms occurred, such as impaired blood coagulation, and liver tumors also grew. How BHT affects people and the environment has not been adequately clarified: The chemical compound was effective as a remedy for herpes simplex viruses, but no one was able to use it officially because it caused severe allergic skin reactions in the test subjects.
What we know:BHT has a strong sensitizing and irritating effect. The EU CommissionScientific Committee on Consumer Safetytherefore classifies the substance asvery questionableone. The European Chemicals Agency REACH has been working on exactly how BHT affects people since 2016.
What we also know:Good cosmetics know that they are not dependent on BHT and do not even use the dangerous substance. Therefore, you should pay close attention to the INCI information and the term butylhydroxytoluene and not buy any corresponding products. So always look carefully!n!
With sober, you shouldn't have any concerns, by the way: It is our principle not to use any harmful substances or those whose effects on humans are unclear. Because cosmetic products should be one thing above all else: safe, caring and good.
Convince yourself of the quality of our face cream and cleansing as well as our aftershaves. You find everythinghere in the shop.
Don't give harmful substances a chance. And #staysober
Philip
