Butylated hydroxytoluene is used as an antioxidant (see Table I) in
cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals.(1–4) It is mainly used to
delay or prevent the oxidative rancidity of fats and oils and to
prevent loss of activity of oil-soluble vitamins.
Butylated hydroxytoluene is also used at 0.5–1.0% w/w
concentration in natural or synthetic rubber to provide enhanced
color stability.
Butylated hydroxytoluene has some antiviral activity(5) and has
been used therapeutically to treat herpes simplex labialis.