Butylated hydroxytoluene

Butylated hydroxytoluene (CAS 128-37-0), commonly known as BHT or by the trade name Ionol, is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used across food, industrial, and personal care markets to prevent oxidative degradation.

Approved as E321 in food applications and listed under FEMA 2184 for flavoring use, it protects fats, oils, polymers, and finished formulations from rancidity and deterioration during storage and processing.

In food manufacturing, BHT is incorporated into edible oils, snack foods, and packaging materials to extend shelf life by inhibiting lipid oxidation. This ensures product freshness and quality over time.

Lubricant and fuel formulators use it to stabilize mineral oils, hydraulic fluids, and transformer oils against thermal and oxidative breakdown. This is essential for maintaining performance in high-heat environments.

Rubber and plastics processors add BHT during compounding to protect polymers from degradation caused by heat and UV exposure during service life. This prevents brittleness and discoloration in industrial materials.

In personal care, it functions as a preservative antioxidant in creams, lotions, and lip products where oil-phase stability is critical. It helps maintain the integrity of complex cosmetic formulations.

BHT is supplied as a white crystalline powder or flake. Standard commercial grades include food-grade (FCC), USP, and technical-grade material to serve different regulatory and application requirements.

Bulk supply is available in fiber drums and multi-wall bags. Food and pharmaceutical grades require certificate of analysis documentation aligned to relevant pharmacopoeial standards for safety and compliance.