Antioxidant & Active Ingredient Allergens in Cosmetics

Antioxidants are added to cosmetics to prevent product oxidation and for skin anti-aging benefits. While most are beneficial, certain antioxidants — notably BHT, BHA, tocopherol, and gallates — are documented contact allergens that may cause sensitization in susceptible individuals.

High Risk

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)🔴 High Risk Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)🔴 High Risk Propyl Gallate🔴 High Risk tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)🔴 High Risk

Medium Risk

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)🟡 Medium Risk Tocopheryl Acetate🟡 Medium Risk Ascorbyl Palmitate🟡 Medium Risk Octyl Gallate🟡 Medium Risk Dodecyl Gallate🟡 Medium Risk Retinol🟡 Medium Risk Retinyl Palmitate🟡 Medium Risk

Lower Risk Alternatives

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)✅ Low Risk Niacinamide✅ Low Risk Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10)✅ Low Risk Ferulic Acid✅ Low Risk Resveratrol✅ Low Risk Green Tea Polyphenols✅ Low Risk

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