TBHQ or Tertiary-butyl hydroquinone) is a chemical compound derived from Hydroquinone, an aromatic chemical compound, metabolite of benzene.

What it is used for and where

Food

Ingredient listed in the European food additives list as E319, antioxidant.

Cosmetics

Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.

Fragrance. It plays a decisive and important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability.  The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances.

Safety

According to our data, TBHQ is a chemical compound that offers many advantages in medical use, but must be taken in small quantities and in controlled doses.

van Esch GJ. Toxicology of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). Food Chem Toxicol. 1986 Oct-Nov;24(10-11):1063-5. doi: 10.1016/0278-6915(86)90289-9.

Abstract. This paper traces the history of the EEC Scientific Committee for Food's examination of available toxicological data on tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). Studies of mutagenicity, metabolism, enzyme activities, reproduction and long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity are reviewed. The author concludes that dose level is an important factor in the induction of forestomach tumours. Further long-term toxicity testing of TBHQ is needed to evaluate its genotoxicity. However, since information is not available, an attempt is made to calculate the 'safety' margin between actual intake by man and the conventional no-effect level in dogs and rats.

CAS    1948-33-0

EC number    217-752-2