UK’s stricter BHT limits now in effect
Ingredient: BHT

Date of publication: 24/02/2025

The February 24, 2025 implementation date for the UK's new restrictions on Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) has now passed, with cosmetic companies required to comply with stricter limits, particularly for oral care products.

What’s new?

The United Kingdom’s regulatory deadline for Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) concentration limits in cosmetic products is now in effect. As detailed in our previous coverage of the UK BHT regulation in September, these restrictions are particularly notable for oral care products, where UK limits are significantly stricter than EU standards:

  • 0.1% maximum in toothpaste
  • 0.001% maximum in mouthwash and leave-on oral care products (compared to 0.8% in the EU)
  • 0.8% maximum in other leave-on and rinse-off products

What now?

The compliance timeline has reached its key dates:

  • From February 24, 2025: Non-compliant products cannot be placed on the UK market
  • Until June 24, 2025: Non-compliant products already in the distribution chain may continue to be made available

Companies marketing oral care products in both the UK and EU markets should be particularly attentive to these divergent requirements.

References:

The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2024

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