tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a phenolic antioxidant. TBHQ is frequently used as a food preservative. In low concentrations it shows cytoprotective qualities while at higher concentrations it exhibits cytotoxic behavior.

Application

At low concentrations, it is used as an antioxidant in fat-containing foods, in edible fats and oils, and as a preservative and antioxidant in cosmetic formulations.