Dosage of BHT and BHA

The determination of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene, CAS 128-37-0) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole, CAS 25013-16-5) is an essential analysis for the cosmetic, food, and packaging industries. These two synthetic antioxidants are widely used as additives to prevent fat oxidation and extend product shelf life.

Due to their potential effects on health, their use is strictly regulated by regulatory authorities, which makes their dosage essential to guarantee the conformity of formulations and consumer safety.

Understanding BHT and BHA

BHT and BHA belong to the family of synthetic phenolic antioxidants. They act as free radical scavengers, limiting lipid oxidation and thus preserving the sensory properties and stability of products .

• BHT (butylhydroxytoluene) : mainly used in cosmetics, plastic packaging and certain foodstuffs.
• BHA (butylhydroxyanisole) : Used as a preservative in fatty foods, supplements and some pharmaceutical products.

Although effective, these substances are the subject of debate regarding their toxicological safety. International regulations therefore impose maximum concentration limits that must not be exceeded.

Analytical methods for the determination of BHT and BHA

The analysis of BHT and BHA is based on chromatographic methods adapted to the detection and quantification of these antioxidants in complex matrices.

• GC-FID (gas chromatography with flame ionization detection) : reliable method for the quantification of volatile compounds in greases and formulations.
• GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : specific identification of antioxidants with high sensitivity.
• HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) : used for complex matrices such as cosmetics, packaging and food formulations.

These techniques guarantee precise quantification, in accordance with current standards, and ensure the reproducibility of results.

Sectors concerned by the analysis of BHT and BHA

The dosage of BHT and BHA is essential in many sectors:

• Cosmetics industry : control of creams, lotions, lipsticks and care products containing synthetic antioxidants.
• Food industry : analysis of fatty foods (butter, oils, snacks, pastries) to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Food packaging : verification of the migration of additives from plastics to foodstuffs.
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical : quality control of formulations incorporating these additives.

Typically analyzed matrices

BHT and BHA analyses apply to a wide range of matrices:

• Cosmetic products (creams, balms, makeup)
• Fat-rich foods
• Plastic and polymer packaging
• Food supplements and pharmaceutical products
• Raw materials and industrial formulations

Regulatory and security issues

European and international regulations strictly regulate the use of BHT and BHA. These substances are included in the list of authorized additives with specific maximum limits (SML, ppm levels) .

The main issues of this analysis are:

• Health safety : guarantee that regulatory thresholds are not exceeded.
• Legal compliance : meet the requirements of European regulations (e.g. EC Regulation No. 1333/2008 for food additives, EC Regulation No. 1223/2009 for cosmetics).
• Quality control : ensuring the stability and shelf life of finished products.
• Transparency : building consumer confidence through compliant and safe products.

YesWeLab support for your BHT and BHA analyses

YesWeLab provides a network of partner laboratories specializing in physicochemical and chromatographic analyses. Our partners, certified and accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC), apply validated methods to guarantee reliable and recognized results.

Thanks to our digital platform, you benefit from a simplified and secure service:

• Quickly submit your samples online
• Real-time monitoring of your analyses
• Fast and secure return of results

Our scientific team advises you on the choice of methods adapted to your matrices and supports you in ensuring the conformity of your products.

Related analyses

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• Phthalate dosage
• Dosage of residual solvents
• Styrene dosage
• Determination of volatile compounds
• Determination of MOSH and MOAH hydrocarbons