On 27 October 2023, the Great Britain announced forthcoming restrictions on the use of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), an antioxidant with potential endocrine disrupting properties. And the new conditions of use for this substance are significantly different from those already applicable in Europe.
In this notification, Great Britain announces the modification of Annex III (Restricted Substances) of its Cosmetics Regulations, which apply in England, Scotland and Wales. The aim is to restrict the maximum permitted concentrations of BHT (CAS No: 128-37-0, EC No: 204-881-4, INCI: Butylated Hydroxytoluene) as follows:
• In toothpaste: 0.1%
• In mouthwash: 0.001%
• In leave-on oral care products: 0.001%
• In other leave-on and rinse-off products: 0.8%
The entry into force
These provisions are open to consultation for a period of 60 days.
They are expected to be adopted on 16 January 2024, and to come into force:
• On 6 October 2024 for products placed on the market
• On 6 February 2025 for products made available ont the market
The European regulations
As a reminder, European Regulation 2022/2195 also provides for restrictions on maximum permitted concentrations for BHT :
• In mouthwash: 0.001%
• In toothpaste: 0.1%
• In other leave-on and rinse-off products: 0.8%
These restrictions are applicable from 1 July 2023 for products placed on the market and from 1 January 2024 for products made available on the market.
The UK authorities have therefore aligned themselves with these provisions, but with the addition of …
