Great Britain
England, Wales, Scotland
Restricted since 22 April 2024BHT is on the list of restricted substances (Annex III, entry 322).
Ingredients question
isitbannedintheuk.co.uk · Answer card
Is BHT restricted in the UK?
The answer
GB: RestrictedNI: Not checked yet
Yes, restricted. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), an antioxidant that stops products going off, is limited in Great Britain to 0.1% in toothpaste, 0.001% in mouthwash and other leave-on mouth products, and 0.8% in other products.
Where you live matters
Northern Ireland
Follows EU cosmetics rules
Not checked yetNorthern Ireland follows the EU cosmetics rules, so the position there can differ. We haven't checked it for this page yet.
Limits by product (Great Britain)
| Product | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Toothpaste | 0.1% |
| Mouthwash | 0.001% |
| Leave-on mouth care products | 0.001% |
| Other leave-on and rinse-off products | 0.8% |
Key dates
| Where | Rule starts | Old stock: placed on the market | Old stock: last date to be sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Britain | 22 April 2024 | On or before 24 February 2025 | End of 24 June 2025 |
The transition period has ended, so products that break the limits shouldn't be on sale in Great Britain.
What the law says
a cosmetic product that is placed on the market on or prior to 24th February 2025 can continue to be made available on the market until the end of 24th June 2025.
What this doesn't tell you
This page is about legal status only. A product being allowed doesn't mean it's right for your skin, and a product being banned doesn't tell you how risky an old bottle at home is. If you're worried about a reaction, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
Last checked:
Sources
isitbannedintheuk.co.uk/rules/bht/ · Last checked 1 November 2026
General information from official sources, checked on the date shown. Not legal or medical advice. © The Contract Studio UK Ltd
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