VeriMomHIGH RISK
Should I Avoid methylene di-t-butylcresol During Pregnancy? | VeriMom
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
ECHA regulatory hazard statements
- •H360F
Products containing methylene di-t-butylcresol — check your shelf
These products list methylene di-t-butylcresol on their INCI. If one is in your routine, consider swapping it during pregnancy.
What to use instead
Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:
Pregnancy-safe products to use instead
Products built around the safer ingredients above, scored "no known risks" or "low risk".
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Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to methylene di-t-butylcresol | VeriMom
Ingredients — Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
See also
FAQ
- Is methylene di-t-butylcresol safe during pregnancy?
- ECHA lists 6,6'-di-tert‑butyl‑2,2'‑methylenedi‑p‑cresol (CAS 119‑47‑1) with a harmonised classification for reproductive toxicity (Repr. 1B, H360F — “May damage fertility”), which by the scoring rules yields h=3. Animal reproductive/developmental findings are reported in regulatory dossiers (developmental NOAEL/LOAEL in non‑rodents in EPA/registration material), but a specific molecular reproductive mechanism is not established in the literature (m=1). For routine topical cosmetic use dermal absorption is likely low but not zero (lipophilic high‑molecular phenolic antioxidant), so exposure for a pregnant adult is scored as low but measurable (e=1). Sources: ECHA harmonised classification and registration/assessment data and regulatory toxicology summaries.
- Is methylene di-t-butylcresol safe while breastfeeding?
- Same harmonised reproductive classification (Repr. 1B, H360F) applies and supports a high hazard score (h=3). No clear mechanistic data specific to lactational transfer was found (m=1). For topical cosmetic use, maternal dermal exposure is expected to be low but measurable; breastmilk transfer is plausible for lipophilic compounds but was not documented in available studies, so exposure is scored as low (e=1). Regulatory guidance therefore flags this substance for reproductive concern.
- Is methylene di-t-butylcresol safe for baby skin?
- Hazard remains high because of the harmonised Repr.1B/H360F classification (h=3). No infant‑specific mechanism data was identified (m=1). Because infant skin (0–3 yr) has higher absorption per body weight and an immature barrier, exposure score is increased by +1 relative to adults (adult e=1 → baby e=2) where dermal absorption is measurable. No infant dermal studies were located to justify changing hazard or mechanism scores.
- How does VeriMom score methylene di-t-butylcresol?
- VeriMom scores methylene di-t-butylcresol at 27/100 (high risk) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.
- What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to methylene di-t-butylcresol?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to methylene di-t-butylcresol based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
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Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.