BHT

An antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Antioxidant
Other functions
Origin
BHT

Overview

BHT, which stands for butylated hydroxytoluene, primarily serves as an antioxidant ingredient. BHT is an oil-loving compound that naturally occurs in green algae, some bacteria, and some fungi, but for commercial use, it is created synthetically.

The antioxidant capabilities of BHT arise from its ability to donate a hydrogen atom to a free radical oxygen species. Essentially, this process shuts down the normally very quick propagation of free radical species, which can go on to cause serious damage to the skin and body.

BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, in which it features a sweet, camphor-like odor.