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Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to improve texture, scent, and durability. However, there is growing concern about the potential health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals. Learn more about phthalates in cosmetics and how to protect yourself from their harmful effects.
What are phthalates and why are they used in cosmetics?
Phthalates are chemicals commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to improve their texture, scent, and durability. Known as a plasticizer (made from petroleum) they act as a binding agent or solvent meant to increase the durability and longevity of products – which can be quite expensive to do naturally. Hence, the use of these chemicals in products.
They are found in cosmetics, beauty products and some pharmaceuticals. They were introduced in commercial products in the 1920s as an additive in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and some healthcare products, such as insect repellent.
Today, they are present in so many products from food packaging to children’s toys, and even laundry detergents. You will typically find phthalates in hair spray, nail polish, shampoo, soaps and lotions, hairspray, sanitary pads and more.
There is growing concern about the potential health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals, including links to reproductive and developmental issues. While they may benefit the companies that use them, they come at a huge risk to the consumer. It’s important to be aware of the presence of phthalates in your beauty routine and take steps to protect yourself.
The potential health risks associated with phthalates
Exposure to phthalates has been linked to a range of potential health risks, including reproductive and developmental issues. Scientifically speaking, phthalates are a type of “endocrine disruptor.” Studies have shown that exposure to endocrine disruptors can disrupt hormone levels, leading to issues such as reduced fertility, early puberty, and birth defects. Additionally, some research has suggested a possible link between phthalate exposure and an increased risk of certain cancers.
In infants and children, phthalates have been linked to allergies, male genital deformities, premature puberty, eczema, asthma, lowered IQ and ADHD (Safe Cosmetics). Studies show that about 98% of people living in the United States have phthalates in their bodies.
Effects of phthalate exposure include:
- Developmental challenges
- Decreased thyroid function
- Reproductive effects
- Neurological side effects
- Compromising on the immune system
- Increased chances of asthma in children
- Increased chances of eczema in children
- Neurotoxicity
- Male reproductive issues
How to identify phthalates in your cosmetics
Phthalates are often listed on ingredient labels under various names, including DBP, DEP, DEHP, and DMP. Look for these names on the label of any cosmetic product you use, including shampoo, lotion, and makeup. Additionally, avoid products that list “fragrance” as an ingredient, as this can be a catch-all term that may include phthalates.
Look out for the following on the ingredients list:
- DBP (dibutyl phthalate)
- DINP (diisononyl phthalate)
- BBP (benzyl butyl phthalate)
- DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate)
- DEHP (di-2-Ethylhexyl phthalate)
- DMP (dimethyl phthalate)
- DIDP (dodecyl phthalate)
- DEP (diethyl phthalate)
Phthalates in fragrance
Fragrances seem to be a stealthy way that manufacturers can sneak phthalates into their products. Because fragrances are considered proprietary by the FDA, there the ingredients are allowed to remain a secret. Therefore, the fragrance is simply listed as “fragrance” on the packaging, so there is no way to tell if it contains phthalates or not (Previse Care).
Do all fragrances contain phthalates?
It is more likely than not for a fragrance product to contain phthalates. Fragrances can contain hundreds of different substances, including phthalates. Of course, phthalate-free fragrance does exist, however, as manufacturers are not required to disclose the ingredients, there is no way to know for sure. To ensure your cosmetics are surely phthalate free, check to see that they are “fragrance-free”.
Phthalate-free means that the manufacturer has not introduced phthalates into their products. You can be reassured that the ingredients won’t contain phthalates. However, there is a sticking point where fragrance is concerned. If the packaging is labelled as “phthalate-free” but also lists “fragrance” as one of the ingredients, there could still be phthalates in the product. Since it’s almost impossible to tell if a fragranced product has phthalates or not, the only way you can safely ensure you’re buying phthalate-free makeup and cosmetics is to purchase fragrance-free items.
Phthalates around the world
In 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the US banned the use of specific phthalates in children’s toys and child-care items, but what’s baffling is that there is still no law prohibiting their use in skincare, cosmetics, or other personal care products (Kinder Beauty). However, there is no law requiring the FDA to approve skincare, cosmetics or personal care products which means it’s up to the company to remove phthalates from their formulas.
Why does the FDA still allow phthalates in skincare and cosmetics?
In the USA, they don’t have the legal authority to manage anything other than requiring labels. Scary.
The EU has been tightening restrictions on the use of phthalates in consumer products since the early 2000s. In 2003, the EU moved to ban five phthalates in cosmetics. In 2020 EU agencies voted to remove a loophole that allowed four phthalates – DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP – that had been previously banned in consumer products. Therefore, you can be certain that all beauty products produced in the EU do not contain phthalates, however, products manufactured outside of the EU cannot be regulated and can still be sold here.
Canada restricts the use of six phthalates in children’s toys and articles, but it does not go far enough to ban their use in food packaging, cleaning products, cosmetics, paints, and other products (Environmental Defence). Many other phthalates still remain unregulated.
Alternatives to phthalate-containing products
If you’re looking to avoid phthalates in your beauty routine, there are plenty of alternatives available. Look for products that are labelled as phthalate-free or made with natural ingredients. Many companies now offer phthalate-free options for everything from shampoo to nail polish. By choosing phthalate-free products, you can protect your health and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Here is a list of my favourite phthalate-free cosmetics that I use every day. Click the photo for links to purchase.
Il Makiage – F* I’m Flawless Concealer
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free formula
- Phthalate free
*All Il Makiage products are Phthalate free*
Fenty Beauty – Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer
- Vegan
- Cruelty Free
- Phthalate-free
*All Fenty Beauty products are Phthalate free*
Dermacetuic – Hyal Ceutric Intense Hydrating Cream
- Vegan
- Fragrance-free
- Silicone free
- Hypoallergenic
- Phthalate-free
- SPF 50
Dermaceutic – Active Retinol 0.5 Age Defense Serum
- Fragrance-free
- Silicone free
- Phthalate-free
Conclusion
Phthalates are in more than 18 billion pounds of products every year and are rising concern to a number of health concerns, including hormonal, developmental and neurological risks.
If you’re concerned about the impact of phthalates in your beauty routine, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself.
- Look for products that are labelled as phthalate-free
- Don’t assume because a product is “vegan” or “cruelty free” that it does not contain harmful chemicals
- Investigate where your products are being produced and stay up to date with local laws and regulations surrounding phthalate use
- Try to limit your exposure to other sources of phthalates, such as plastic food containers and vinyl shower curtains
- Follow up with your favorite companies and put pressure on them to disclose all ingredients in their products.
I recently contacted a Swedish skincare retailer Skin City to ask a skin therapist about phthalate-free cosmetics. She had not heard of phthalates before and wasn’t sure what I was really asking. I am *hoping* it was just a language barrier, though my advice is to not trust the retailers and always do your own research.
What do you think about the use of phlthates? Has anything surprised you? Will you be swapping out any of your beauty products? Let me know in the comments below!
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