Why BHT and BHA Don’t Belong in Fragrance
“Long shelf life” should never come before long-term health
You read the labels. You check the ingredients. But some chemicals still manage to hide behind hard-to-pronounce acronyms. Two of the most common? BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole). These scary sounding acronyms are preservatives often found in beauty products, fragrances, and even food.
They’re there to make things last longer. But at what cost?
When you’re growing, nursing, or caring for a child, “long shelf life” should never come before long-term health.
What Are BHT and BHA?
BHT and BHA are synthetic antioxidants used to prevent ingredients, especially fragrance rich oils, from going rancid. In fragrance and cosmetics, they keep formulas stable, ensuring they look, smell, and behave the same over time.
They’re also classified as endocrine disruptors, meaning they may interfere with hormone regulation in the body.
What’s the Risk?
The concern with BHT and BHA isn’t just fear mongering. Studies have raised red flags about their potential to:
Disrupt hormone function, especially estrogen and testosterone balance
Mimic or block hormone receptors, affecting fertility and menstrual cycles
Accumulate in breast tissue, with emerging concerns around long-term exposure and cancer risk
According to the National Toxicology Program (US) 15th Report on Carcinogens BHA is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” (see references)
Affect fetal development during pregnancy
Even at low doses, these compounds can affect sensitive systems, making them particularly problematic during pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood. They’re considered “chemicals of concern” by health authorities in Europe and California, but are still used in many mainstream products.
What Makes De(ux) Mains Different?
At De(ux) Mains, we believe fragrance should never carry hidden compromises. That’s why BHT and BHA are strictly excluded from every formulation we create.
Instead, we:
Use natural antioxidant alternatives like vitamin E (tocopherol)
Rely on CO₂ extracted botanicals, which are more stable and purer
Opt for minimal, clean preservation systems that meet global standards
Formulate with skin sensitivity and maternal sensitivity at the forefront
We want every mother to feel good wearing her signature scent. May that be during pregnancy, postpartum, or every precious moment in between.
Fragrance for a New Era of Motherhood
This isn’t about fear. It’s about informed care.
You deserve products that support your well-being, not ones that silently introduce risk. And you deserve to feel beautiful without wondering what’s lingering in your bottle or on your skin.
When you choose De(ux) Mains, you’re choosing:
Transparency
Tenderness
Tradition—without toxins
Because in this season of giving so much to others, you deserve something that gives back to you.
Fragrance, reimagined for mothers. Beautiful. And free of BHT and BHA.
References
K Nadira De Abrew, Ted Natoli, Cathy C Lester, Xiaohong Wang, Mahmoud Shobair, Arvind Subramanian, George P Daston, A New Approach Methodology (NAM) Based Assessment of Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) for Endocrine Disruption Potential, Toxicological Sciences, Volume 190, Issue 2, December 2022, Pages 227–241, https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfac099
Pop, Anca & Test, Test & Bolfa, Pompei & Nagy, Andras-Laszlo & Catoi, Cornel & Dumitrescu, Ion-Bogdan & Silaghi-Dumitrescu, Luminita & Loghin, Felicia. (2013). Evaluation of the possible endocrine disruptive effect of butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene and propyl gallate in immature female rats. Farmacia. Vol. 61. 202-211.
National Toxicology Program. 15th Report on Carcinogens [Internet]. Research Triangle Park (NC): National Toxicology Program; 2021 Dec 21. Butylated Hydroxyanisole: CAS No. 25013-16-5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK590883/
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of butylated hydroxytoluene BHT (E 321) as a food additive (March 2012) EFSA Journal 2012;10(3):2588.
