As announced, the UK has just amended the restrictions on the use of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), an antioxidant with possible endocrine disrupting properties. The Statutory Instrument making this official was published on 3 April 2024.
The “Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2024”, published on 3 April, applies in England, Wales and Scotland from 24 February 2025 for products placed on the market and from 24 June 2025 for products made available on the market.
From these dates, the conformity of cosmetic products will only be guaranteed if they comply with the new maximum concentrations set out below:
• 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%
It should be noted that these provisions differ significantly from those that apply in Europe from 1 July 2023 for products placed on the market and from 1 January 2024 for products made available on the market. Maximum authorised concentrations have been set as follows:
• In mouthwash: 0.001%
• In toothpaste: 0.1%
• In other leave-on and rinse-off products: 0.8%
Sources
• The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2024, UK Statutory Instruments No. 455, legislation.gov.uk, 3 April 2024
• Ingredient Sheet - BHT, CosmeticOBS
