Heidi Norton
Phthalates are chemical compounds commonly used to make plastic flexible and harder to break. They are also used in perfumes to make scents last longer and act as solvents or binding agents. While the FDA does not currently have evidence that phthalates in cosmetics pose a safety risk, they are known to disrupt hormones and harm reproductive health. They can be listed on product labels under different names, such as DEP or DIDP, but sometimes they are hidden under the terms fragrance or parfum. To avoid exposure to phthalates, look for fragrances that contain natural ingredients and avoid those with synthetic fragrances or the term fragrance on the label.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to identify phthalates in perfumes | Phthalates are commonly used in perfumes to make scents last longer. Consumers can identify if a perfume contains phthalates by looking for ingredients ending with "phthalate" on the label. However, if the label mentions “fragrance” or "flavor," it might indicate the presence of phthalates without explicitly listing them. |
| Health concerns | Phthalates are associated with various health risks, including endocrine disruption, hormonal imbalance, reproductive issues, and increased risk of cancer, asthma, and allergies. |
| Regulatory status | While some phthalates have been banned by the FDA, they are still permitted in cosmetics and household products in the United States. Other countries and the European Union have banned many phthalates. |
| Alternatives | Consumers concerned about phthalate exposure should look for products labeled as “fragrance-free” and “phthalate-free." Clean fragrances, which are free from harmful chemicals like phthalates and parabens, are also available. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the ingredient label
The presence of phthalates in perfumes is a growing concern for many consumers. Phthalates are chemical compounds commonly used to make plastic flexible and harder to break. They are also used as solvents or binding agents in perfumes to make scents last longer.
Checking the ingredient label on a perfume is a good first step to determine if it contains phthalates. Look for ingredients that end with "phthalate", such as diethyl phthalate (DEP) or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). If you see these specific ingredients listed, then your perfume definitely contains phthalates.
However, it is important to note that fragrance or parfum can refer to a mixture of hundreds of different chemicals, and the specific ingredients may not always be disclosed on the label. The term "fragrance" can sometimes be used as a catch-all phrase to hide undesirable ingredients, including phthalates. Therefore, even if "phthalate" is not explicitly listed as an ingredient, it could still be present in the fragrance or parfum component of the perfume.
To further ensure that your perfume is phthalate-free, look for fragrances that contain natural ingredients and avoid those with synthetic fragrances. Certifications from trusted organizations that verify the absence of harmful chemicals can also provide peace of mind.
Additionally, some perfumes may be marketed as clean or nontoxic, indicating that they do not contain phthalates. However, it is important to be cautious of greenwashing, where companies may make these claims without providing transparent ingredient information.
In summary, checking the ingredient label is a good starting point to identify the presence of phthalates, but it may not always provide a definitive answer due to the potential presence of hidden chemicals under the fragrance label. Combining label checking with seeking out natural fragrances and trusted certifications can increase your confidence in choosing a phthalate-free perfume.
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Understand the health risks
While the FDA claims that there is currently no evidence that phthalates in cosmetics pose safety risks, many studies have linked phthalates to adverse health outcomes. Phthalates are chemical compounds commonly used to make plastic more durable and flexible. They are also used as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes and other fragrance preparations.
Phthalates are known to enter the human body through the skin or by inhaling. They are persistent and can intensify inside the body, accumulating within fatty tissues. This can lead to long-term serious chronic illnesses in the future. Some of the health risks associated with phthalates include:
- Insulin resistance
- Cardiovascular disease
- Impaired neurodevelopment
- Hyperactivity problems in adolescents
- Poorer performance in math
- Disrupted hormones
- Lower sperm count
- Infertility
- Increased risk of gestational diabetes and miscarriage in pregnant women
- Allergies
- Breast cancer
- Reproductive disorders
- Skin allergies
- Nervous system damage
- Migraine headaches
- Neuropathy (depression, autism)
- Neoplasms (prostate cancer)
- Effects on the liver
- Asthma attacks
- Mucosal symptoms (watery or red eyes, sneezing)
- Respiratory problems (cough)
- Central nervous system damage
- Endocrine cancer
- Thyroid issues
- Adrenal gland dysfunction
- Immune system problems
The effects of phthalates are especially concerning for children and women of childbearing age. In the United States, certain types of phthalates are banned in children's toys and items such as pacifiers and baby bottles due to their potential health risks.
While it is challenging to avoid exposure to phthalates entirely, individuals can reduce their risk of exposure by choosing natural perfumes that do not contain synthetic chemicals. It is important to read the ingredient labels on cosmetic products and avoid those that list "fragrance" or "phthalates." Additionally, it is recommended to avoid perfumes in plastic containers and to refrain from inhaling perfume oils directly.
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Identify phthalates by name
Phthalates are chemical compounds commonly used to make plastic flexible and harder to break. They are also used in perfumes to make scents last longer and act as a preservative. While some phthalates have been banned by the FDA, many still end up in conventional perfumes.
- Diethyl phthalate (DEP): This phthalate is widely found in perfumes and has been designated a hazardous substance by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): This is one of the most well-known phthalates and is often regulated as a toxin. It is banned from use in cosmetics, children's toys, medical devices, and food packaging in many countries.
- Dibutylphthalate (DBP): This phthalate has been used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes to reduce cracking.
- Dimethylphthalate (DMP): DMP is used in hair sprays to help avoid stiffness by forming a flexible film on the hair.
- Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (also known as DEHP or DOP): This phthalate has been widely used since the 1930s.
- DINP, BBP, DIHP: These phthalates have historically been important but are now facing regulatory pressure and gradual phase-outs.
It is important to note that product labels often do not explicitly state the presence of phthalates, making it challenging for consumers to identify them by name. However, consumers can look for certain acronyms or terms like "fragrance" or "flavor" on labels to infer the possible presence of phthalates.
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Know which perfumes to avoid
While the FDA does not currently have evidence that phthalates in cosmetics pose a safety risk, some studies have linked phthalate exposure to various health issues, including endocrine disruption, hormone disruption, reproductive issues, cancer, low birth weights, childhood asthma, diabetes, and adverse effects on neurodevelopment in children.
To avoid exposure to phthalates, consumers can choose products that do not include "fragrance" or "flavor" in the ingredient declaration, as these terms may hide the presence of phthalates. Additionally, consumers can look for products that explicitly state they are fragrance-free and phthalate-free.
When it comes to perfumes, it is important to note that phthalates are commonly used to make scents last longer and are often listed as "Diethyl phthalates (DEP)" or "Di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalates (DEHP)" in the ingredients. To avoid these specific types of phthalates, consumers can opt for perfumes that do not contain these ingredients.
Furthermore, consumers can look for certifications from trusted organizations that verify the product is free from harmful chemicals, choose fragrances with natural ingredients, and avoid those with synthetic fragrances. Checking for a shorter ingredient list can also help, as clean fragrances tend to avoid commonly used toxic chemicals.
While some companies market their fragrances as being free of phthalates, it is important to note that, according to Douglas Little, founder, CEO, and perfumer for Heretic Parfum, "phthalates haven't been used in fragrances for a long time." Therefore, consumers should be cautious of greenwashing and look for transparent ingredient labels to make informed decisions.
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Choose fragrance-free products
While the FDA has stated that it does not currently have evidence that phthalates in cosmetics pose a safety risk, phthalates are known to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can disrupt hormonal balance and cause reproductive and other serious health issues. They are also detrimental to the environment.
To avoid exposure to phthalates, it is recommended to choose fragrance-free products. This is because "fragrance" or "parfum" listed on an ingredients label may be hiding phthalates, as manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients of fragrances.
If you want to continue using fragrances, you can opt for natural fragrances, which are crafted with safflower oil without gluten, parabens, or phthalates. Some brands that offer natural fragrances include Ralph Lauren Fragrance, Aesop, Creed, and By Rose Jane.
You can also look for brands that explicitly state their commitment to clean formulations, or seek certifications from organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or third-party clean beauty standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the ingredient list on the label. If it includes "fragrance", "perfume", "parfum", or an ingredient ending in "phthalate", it likely contains phthalates. However, ingredient labels may not always be transparent, so it is difficult to be certain.
Phthalates are used as a preservative and "fixative" to make perfumes more durable and scents last longer. They also function as solvents, stabilizers, and binding agents.
Phthalates are widely studied and considered probable carcinogens by the EPA and WHO. They are known to disrupt hormones and harm reproductive health, and may cause other serious health issues. However, the FDA does not currently have evidence that phthalates in cosmetics pose a safety risk.
Choose products that are explicitly labelled as fragrance-free and phthalate-free. Opt for fragrances with natural ingredients and certifications from trusted organizations verifying they are free from harmful chemicals.
