Jurnal Fisika - Kimia Terintergasi

Bahaya BHA (Butylated
Hydroxianisole)
dalam Produk Kecantikan
Owen Reed Beriyano
Abstract
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a commonly used preservative in beauty and personal
care products, such as lipsticks, moisturizers, and sunscreens. However, prolonged exposure
to BHA may have harmful effects on human health, including potential carcinogenic effects
and skin irritation. BHA can also interfere with the endocrine system, leading to hormonal
imbalances and other health problems. Despite these concerns, BHA is still widely used in
the industry due to its effectiveness. Consumers can minimize their exposure to BHA by
reading product labels carefully and avoiding products that contain it. There are safer
alternatives to BHA that can be used as preservatives in beauty products. Several countries
have already banned or restricted the use of BHA in cosmetics. Consumers can look for
natural and organic beauty products that use alternative preservatives, or buy from
companies that have committed to avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals in their products.
By supporting initiatives that push for more transparent labeling and stricter regulations,
consumers can help ensure the safety and sustainability of the beauty industry.
Keywords: BHA, cosmetics, beauty products.
Pendahuluan
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
adalah pengawet umum yang digunakan di
banyak produk kecantikan dan perawatan
pribadi seperti lipstik, pelembab, dan tabir
surya. Namun, penelitian terbaru
menunjukkan bahwa kontak yang terlalu
lama dengan BHA mungkin memiliki efek
berbahaya pada kesehatan manusia.
Salah satu kekhawatiran utama
adalah bahwa BHA berpotensi karsinogen,
artinya dapat menyebabkan kanker. Studi
telah menemukan bahwa BHA dapat
menyebabkan tumor pada hewan
laboratorium, dan meskipun bukti
karsinogenisitasnya pada manusia terbatas,
para ahli merekomendasikan untuk
menghindari penggunaan produk yang
mengandung BHA sebagai tindakan
pencegahan.
Selain itu, BHA juga dapat
menyebabkan iritasi kulit dan reaksi alergi
pada beberapa orang, terutama yang
memiliki kulit sensitif. Selain itu, BHA
dapat mengganggu sistem endokrin, yang
bertanggung jawab mengatur hormon,
Jurnal Fisika-Kimia Terintegrasi | Volume 5 Tahun 2023 | 56