Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)

Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a white powder and organic Phenol-based compound that is used in the food industry as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that prevent the spoilage of substances in the presence of Oxygen. This antioxidant can prevent the process of oxidation and corruption without changing the smell and taste of the product and prevent the decomposition of vitamins and the reduction of the nutritional value of the ingredients. Therefore, TBHQ is used as an additive to increase quality and shelf life and prevent spoilage and rancidity. This antioxidant is different from the natural antioxidants found in vegetables and fruits. Adding tertiary butylhydroquinone to Iron-rich foods prevents changes in color, odor, and taste, and this additive is also used as a preservative in the production of various vegetable oils and animal fats. Many processed food products contain some amount of oil; thus, this antioxidant is found in a wide range of food items such as; various ready-to-eat and semi-prepared foods, frozen processed foods, snacks, chips, crackers, flour products, cakes, donuts, and other edible products. Recently, many people have preferred to use pre-made and ready-to-eat foods, so manufacturers utilize this additive to prevent food spoilage over a long period, during transportation, and long-term storage in refrigerators and freezers.

TBHQ is also used in the cosmetic as an antioxidant that preserves and maintains the quality of products. Cosmetic products contain oils and fats in their formulation, if they are exposed to oxygen, lose their chemical structure, texture, and desirable quality; also, to neutralize free radicals released due to sunlight, harmful rays, and environmental pollutants, antioxidants such as TBHQ are used. Antioxidants in skincare products can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin, repair cells, and ultimately provide freshness and vitality to the skin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that using a certain amount of TBHQ is safe, but excessive consumption can cause products to become toxic. For more information about this additive, please contact our technical team.