Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA, E320)
BHA is a synthetic antioxidant that stops fats going rancid. IARC has classified it in Group 2B (“possibly carcinogenic to humans”); this classification is based mainly on high-dose animal experiments. Although its use is still permitted in the EU in limited amounts in food and under certain conditions in cosmetics, choosing an alternative where possible is a reasonable choice.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
Because of the IARC 2B classification and ongoing assessments of possible hormonal effects, the range is kept moderate to high; leave-on products are close to the upper end.
It is permitted in food and limited by an ADI; however, because it is taken by mouth and because of its carcinogenicity classification, the range is moderate to high.
What is BHA and what is it used for?
Butylated hydroxyanisole is a synthetic antioxidant that slows the spoilage of fats and fatty substances by oxygen. It extends a product's shelf life by delaying changes in its smell, colour and taste. In function it is almost identical to BHT, and the two are often used together.
Because it is cheap, heat-stable and effective even in very small amounts, it has been widely used in the food and cosmetics industries for decades. On labels it usually appears near the end of the list, meaning its level in the product is low.
Which products contain it?
- Make-up containing oils, such as lipstick, eyeshadow and foundation
- Some moisturisers and perfumes
- Chewing gum, crisps, instant mashed potato, fats and meat products (as E320)
- Animal feed and food packaging
Is it harmful? The scientific assessment
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified BHA in Group 2B. This group covers substances for which the evidence in humans is inadequate but the evidence in animals is sufficient. The basis for the classification is tumours seen in the forestomach of rodents given very high doses of BHA. Because humans do not have a forestomach, how far this finding applies to people is debated; even so, it is approached with caution.
EFSA re-evaluated BHA, set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) and kept its permitted use in food. Turkish food additive legislation is aligned with the EU; E320 may be used only in certain foods and in limited amounts.
In cosmetics, BHA is not among the substances banned in the EU. Because of its possible endocrine (hormone) disrupting properties, it was placed on the EU's priority assessment list and reviewed by the SCCS. In its opinion published in 2026, the SCCS found BHA safe up to 0.07% in leave-on and rinse-off products, excluding oral care products and sprays that could be inhaled from this assessment. Even so, some manufacturers are removing BHA from their formulas.
Who should be careful?
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Because possible hormonal effects have not been fully clarified, those who wish can choose products without BHA.
- Children: They can take in more of the additive relative to their body weight from products such as snacks and chewing gum.
- People with sensitive skin: BHA can, although rarely, cause contact dermatitis.
What to do when you see it on a label
There is no evidence that the small amount of BHA in a single product will cause serious harm. However, given the IARC classification and the ongoing assessments, it makes sense to choose an alternative if a similar product is available. Products preserved with tocopherol, rosemary extract or ascorbic acid are good options. Remember that in food you will mostly see E320 in processed and fatty snacks; limiting these products is generally recommended anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Does IARC 2B mean BHA causes cancer?
No. Group 2B means “possibly carcinogenic” and covers substances for which the evidence in humans is inadequate. It shows the strength of the evidence, not the size of the risk in everyday use.
Is BHA banned in Europe?
No. In the EU it is permitted in limited amounts as a food additive (E320) and also as a cosmetic ingredient. Having also examined possible hormonal effects, the SCCS found it safe up to 0.07% in cosmetics used on the skin.
How can I avoid E320 in food?
Look for “E320” or “BHA” in the ingredient list. Choosing less processed foods naturally reduces the chance of coming across additives like this.
Are BHA and BHT the same thing?
No, they are two different substances with a similar function. BHA is in IARC Group 2B; there is no such classification for BHT, and it is of lower concern.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.