Heidi Norton
Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used to make plastic flexible and harder to break. They are also used in perfumes to make scents last longer. While phthalates have been linked to various health issues, including endocrine disruption, reproductive and genital defects, and allergies, the specific effects of phthalates in perfumes are still a subject of discussion. Some people express concern about the potential risks of exposure to phthalates through perfume use, while others claim that the fear is exaggerated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of perfumes containing phthalates | 75% of perfumes that list "fragrance" on their ingredient label contain phthalates. |
| Types of phthalates found in perfumes | Diethyl phthalates (DEP), Di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalates (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) |
| Health risks associated with phthalates | Endocrine disruption, reproductive and genital defects, decreased sperm count, infertility, allergies, asthma, eczema, lowered IQ, ADHD, cardiovascular disease, gestational diabetes, miscarriage |
| Regulatory status | Prohibited by the EU, but not banned in the United States |
| Alternatives | Phthalate-free perfumes, unscented products |
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What You'll Learn
Phthalates in perfume: what are the health risks?
Phthalates are chemical compounds developed in the last century that are used to make plastics more durable. They are colorless, odorless, and oily liquids that do not evaporate easily and do not permanently bind to plastic surfaces. Phthalates are also used as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes and other fragrance preparations.
While the presence of phthalates in perfumes is concerning, it is important to note that the data on their health risks is not conclusive. Critics argue that there hasn't been an ideal randomized control trial in humans to prove causation. However, experiments on cell lines and lab animals have shown irrefutable evidence that phthalates, as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can cause various health problems in humans.
Several studies have found clear links between phthalates and reproductive and genital defects, including disrupted hormones, lower sperm count, and infertility. Exposure to phthalates may also increase the risk of gestational diabetes and miscarriage in pregnant women. In infants and children, phthalates have been associated with allergies, premature puberty, male genital deformities, asthma, eczema, lowered IQ, and ADHD.
Additionally, phthalates have been linked to insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and impaired neurodevelopment. A study found that higher urinary concentrations of phthalates were associated with a 25% increased risk of hyperactivity problems in adolescents. Another study of the same cohort found a correlation between increased phthalate exposure and poorer performance in math.
To limit the risk of phthalates in perfumes, it is recommended to choose natural perfumes that do not contain synthetic chemicals. Natural niche perfumers like AbdesSalam Attar produce high-quality natural fragrances without using harmful chemical substances. Checking the ingredient label and avoiding perfumes listed as "fragrance" or "phthalates" is also advised.
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How to identify phthalates in perfume
Phthalates are chemical compounds that were first introduced as an additive in PVC (polyvinyl chloride) in the 1920s or 1930s. They are used to make plastics more durable and flexible, and harder to break. They also act as solvents, stabilizers, and binding agents. Phthalates are also commonly used in perfumes, with 75% of perfumery products that list "fragrance" on their ingredient label containing phthalates.
Due to laws that protect perfume manufacturers from sharing "trade secrets", most perfumes sold commercially do not list their ingredients individually on the label. Instead, these ingredients are simply covered by the term "fragrance", which could mean a variety of different ingredients and hide the actual one.
However, there are still ways to identify whether a perfume contains phthalates:
- Check the ingredient label: While the specific ingredients of "fragrance" may not be listed, consumers can tell whether a product contains phthalates by looking for the term "fragrance" on the ingredient label. If "fragrance" is listed, there is a high chance that the product contains phthalates.
- Choose products that do not include "fragrance": Consumers who do not want to purchase products containing phthalates may choose products that do not include the term "fragrance" on the ingredient label.
- Look for specific types of phthalates: Some common types of phthalates used in perfumes include Diethyl phthalates (DEP), Di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalates (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP). While these specific types of phthalates may not always be listed on the ingredient label, knowing their names can help identify them if they are listed.
- Opt for natural or organic perfumes: Natural or organic perfumes are less likely to contain phthalates than conventional perfumes.
- Contact the manufacturer: If you are unsure whether a perfume contains phthalates, you can contact the manufacturer directly and ask about the ingredients in their products.
It is important to note that the potential risks associated with phthalates are still being studied and there is ongoing research and debate about their safety. Some studies have linked phthalates to various health issues, especially in children and women of childbearing age.
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Phthalate-free perfumes
Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used in the production of plastics and as solvents in many consumer products, including synthetic perfumes. They help dissolve and stabilise other ingredients, making the scent last longer. Phthalates are widely used in perfumery, with 75% of products that list "fragrance" on their ingredient label containing phthalates.
However, growing research has linked phthalates to health concerns. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormone systems, potentially leading to reproductive issues and developmental problems. They can enter the human body through the skin or by inhaling, and studies have shown that they can accumulate inside the body, intensifying over time and leading to serious chronic illnesses.
Due to the potential health risks associated with phthalates, there is a growing demand for phthalate-free alternatives in the beauty industry, and specifically a demand for phthalate-free perfumes and colognes. Phthalate-free fragrances offer a safer, more natural alternative to conventional perfumes. They rely on alternative ingredients, such as plant-based resins, essential oils, botanical extracts, and safe synthetic molecules, to achieve the same longevity and performance without the use of potentially harmful chemicals.
When shopping for phthalate-free perfumes, consumers should check ingredient labels or seek brands that explicitly state their commitment to clean formulations. Certifications from organisations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or third-party clean beauty standards can provide reassurance. Some popular phthalate-free perfume brands include Henry Rose, Skylar, Fine'ry, Creed, By Rose Jane, and Abel. These brands prioritise sustainability, transparency, and good manufacturing practices, offering high-performing, non-toxic alternatives that appeal to consumers prioritising both safety and quality.
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Phthalates in perfume: what does the research say?
Phthalates are widely used in perfumery. 75% of perfumery products that list “fragrance” in their ingredient label contain phthalates. They are used to make scents last longer. The most common type of phthalate used in perfumes is Diethyl phthalate (DEP), a denaturing agent for alcohol and a fixative to hold scent on the skin for longer. Other types of phthalates used in perfumes include Di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalates (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
Phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive and genital defects, including decreased sperm motility and concentration in men, and genital abnormalities in baby boys. They have also been linked to allergies, asthma, eczema, lowered IQ, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental issues in children. In adults, exposure to phthalates has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Several studies have found clear links between phthalates and adverse health effects. A 2016 study published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research International examined 47 brand-name perfumes for levels of 5 different phthalates and found that seven out of 28 perfumes manufactured in European countries had DEHP levels above the threshold limit of 1 ppm. Another study cited by WaPo linked having a higher concentration of phthalates in urine to a 25% increased risk of ADHD-related behaviours in adolescents. Harvard studies have also found that exposure to phthalates may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and miscarriage in pregnant women.
Despite this extensive research, some contend that there isn't enough data to prove that phthalates cause negative effects in humans. The use of DEP in the perfume industry, for example, is not restricted because it has been claimed that it “does not pose any known health risks for humans”. However, there is evidence to suggest that DEP is highly toxic to humans, especially to the developing foetus. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that exposure to DEP applied to the skin has been shown to induce developmental effects, including changes in brain weight and red blood cell health.
Due to laws that protect perfume manufacturers from sharing “trade secrets”, most perfumes sold commercially do not list phthalates individually on the ingredient label. Instead, these chemicals are covered by the term “fragrance”. To avoid exposure to phthalates, consumers can choose products that are explicitly labelled as fragrance-free and phthalate-free.
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Regulations around phthalates in perfume
Phthalates are chemical compounds that were first developed in the last century. They are commonly used to make plastic flexible and harder to break. They also act as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes and other fragrance preparations.
Despite the potential dangers of phthalates, the regulations around them in perfumes are complex and vary across regions. Here is an overview of the regulations:
United States
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees cosmetic products, including perfumes. Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), the FDA requires an ingredient declaration on cosmetic products sold at the retail level. However, a loophole exists; while an ingredient list is mandated, the regulations do not require the listing of individual fragrances or their specific ingredients. As a result, consumers may not be able to determine from the label if phthalates are present in a fragrance. This challenge is further compounded by laws that protect perfume manufacturers from disclosing "trade secrets," allowing them to hide harmful chemicals under the vague term "fragrance."
Despite the lack of transparency in labelling, the FDA does not currently have safety concerns regarding the use of diethyl phthalate (DEP), a common phthalate used in perfumes. They base this stance on available safety information. However, it is important to note that the FDA continues to monitor scientific discussions and reserves the right to take additional actions as needed.
European Union
The European Union (EU) has taken a more proactive approach to regulating phthalates. According to a 2016 study published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, the EU has prohibited the use of certain phthalates in cosmetics, including perfumes. Despite this prohibition, the study found that several perfumes manufactured in European countries had di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) levels above the threshold limits. This finding highlights the challenge of enforcing regulations and the potential for non-compliance by manufacturers.
International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is a self-governing body for the perfume industry. They have developed a Transparency List of chemicals used in the industry, which includes some banned or restricted substances based on safety standards. However, compliance with these standards is voluntary, and there is little to no verification required from fragrance manufacturers. Additionally, the panel responsible for determining the safety of fragrances is governed by a board composed of the world's largest fragrance sellers, which may present a potential conflict of interest.
In summary, the regulations around phthalates in perfumes vary across regions, with some areas like the EU implementing prohibitions and others, like the US, taking a more lenient approach. However, it is important to note that the potential dangers of phthalates are still being extensively studied, and regulations may evolve as new scientific evidence emerges.
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Frequently asked questions
Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used to make plastic flexible and harder to break. They are also used to soften plastics, as a solvent, or as a binding agent.
Yes, phthalates are widely used in perfumery. They are commonly used to make scents last longer.
Phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors and are linked to reproductive issues, decreased sperm count, and infertility. They have also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, asthma, allergies, and cardiovascular disease.
Due to laws protecting perfume manufacturers, harmful chemicals are often not listed individually on ingredient labels. Instead, they are covered by the term "fragrance". To avoid phthalates, choose products that explicitly state they are fragrance-free and phthalate-free.
Phthalates can enter the human body through the skin or by inhaling. They can also be ingested by eating ultra-processed foods or heating food in plastic containers.
