What Is BHA & Is It Safe?

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a chemical preservative in food for human consumption [1]. As a synthetic antioxidant, it is used to extend shelf life and Million Marker lists it as one of the chemicals to avoid.

What Products Have BHA In Them?

This chemical can be found in various everyday products and foods.

BHA can be found in:

Preservatives in food products
Cosmetics
- Cleansers
- Toners
- Moisturizers
- Scrubs
- Masks
Pharmaceuticals

Is BHA Safe?

If you’re wondering if BHA is harmful, studies have linked it to be a human carcinogen. This means BHA may expose humans to benign and malignant tumors [1]. Other studies have exposed this chemical as an endocrine disruptor and a collaborator to the underdevelopment of the reproductive system.

Health Impacts of BHA Products

BHA can be harmful and lead to various health impacts.

This chemical has been linked to the following health risks:

Carcinogenic - Exposes to malignant or benign tumors
Disrupting hormones and inducing dysfunction
Underdevelopment of the reproductive system including:
- Thyroid hormone changes
- Testosterone level changes
- Sex organ weights
- Sexual maturation

Recommended Alternatives to BHA

Million Marker provides a kit of Approved Personal Care Products that can help you replace the cosmetics in your bathroom that include BHA.

We also recommend purchasing your products from companies that are aware of toxins and exclude harmful chemicals from their products. Some of these include:

The Package Free Shop
Thrive

How to Avoid BHA

Read the ingredients list of your products and look out for:
- Butylated hydroxyanisole
- Butylhydroxyanisol
- Tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol
When browsing for pharmaceuticals, ask about products without BHA

Get tested with Million Marker’s Detect & Detox Test Kit + Lifestyle Audit to understand your exposure and implement a healthy lifestyle.

Sources

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/butylated-hydroxyanisole