Beware the BHA! Why Butylated Hydroxyanisole Might Not Be the Best Choice For Safer Skincare

Welcome back to our A-Z of Beauty Baddies Busted series where we highlight the ingredients we should try to avoid for safer skincare!

Today, we’re diving into another tricky ingredient starting with the letter B - BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole). This is one ingredient that you definitely want to know about, especially if you’re picking skincare products for kids.

What is BHA?

BHA is a preservative used in lots of cosmetics and skincare products. Its job? To keep those lotions, creams, and makeup from going bad too quickly by stopping germs and bacteria from growing. Sounds helpful. But there’s a catch.

Why You Should Avoid BHA

⚠️ Possible Carcinogen: Some studies have linked BHA to cancer, which is a big red flag when it comes to what we put on our skin.

😬 Skin Sensitivities: BHA can cause allergic reactions, redness, or irritation, especially for sensitive or young skin.

🚫 Not Safe for Regular Use: Because of the potential risks, it’s better to avoid BHA altogether, especially for kids who have delicate growing skin.

What to Look For Instead

When shopping, try to find products preserved with natural ingredients like:

✅ Vitamin E (Tocopherol) - a natural antioxidant that keeps products fresh and helps your skin too!

✅ Rosemary Extract - another natural preservative with antioxidant benefits.

Miss Sparkles’ Tip ✨

Always check the ingredient list on your beauty products. If you spot BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, it’s time to swap it out for a cleaner, kinder alternative. Because your skin - and especially your kids’ skin - deserves the very best!

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