Phenolic compounds have been implicated as major offending agents in melanocyte destruction and occupational vitiligo. Exposure to individuals of phenolic compounds like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), 4-tertiary butylphenol (4TBP) and hydroquinone (HQ) is commonplace since these agents are used as additives in the food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity and mechanism of cell death of the pheolic antioxidants, BHA, 4TBP and HQ on two model melanoma cell lines SK-MEL-23 and SK-MEL-19.
