Phthalates. What the heck are these little buggers, and how the heck do you even pronounce this? According to Dr. Google, it’s tha-lāt. Sounds good to me! Now that we got that out of the way, let’s get into the real real.
If you’ve ever owned anything plastic or used conventional beauty and skincare products, you have most likely been exposed to phthalates. These are a group of chemicals that are added to everyday products to make hard plastics more pliable and user-friendly. Infamously, these are known as the everywhere chemical, and are exposed to us through ingestion, inhalation, or being absorbed through the skin.
The Culprits
So where are you most likely to find these little buggers? Can you still use your favorite hair products? Do you need to toss your $200 perfume or part ways with that gorgeous nail polish in your signature nude shade?
Here are some of the most common culprits – check them out below!
Household
- Plastic/vinyl packaging
- Shower curtains
- Cleaning products, laundry detergent, dish soap
- Baby rattles, inflatable toys
- Raincoats, or any waterproof material
Personal Care
- Baby bath products (shampoo, soap, and lotion…yikes!)
- Perfume
- Hairspray
- Nail polish
- Deodorant
The list goes on and on. Phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible, but they are also used to make fragrances last longer. Phthalates can also serve as dissolving agents for many household cleaners. The crazy thing is that you can be exposed to these chemicals in the air, water, and food!
Although these ingredients may not be clearly identifiable, take a second to check the labels on some of your favorite products. Do you recognize any of the ingredients or abbreviations below?
- “Fragrance” or “parfum” (a sneaky way to cover up what actually is in the fragrance)
- MiBP: mono-isobutyl phthalate (nail polish)
- MEHP: mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (PVC plastics)
- MEP: monoethyl phthalate (fragrance enhancer)
- DiNP: di-isononyl phthalate (children’s toys & bath products)
Why should you care?
The FDA currently does not regulate the use of phthalates mainly due to there being no compelling evidence that these substances are harmful to human health at the levels we are presently exposed to them. Furthermore, surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have both reported no serious health risks associated with phthalates. It’s not all bad news though, as specific categories of products are restricted in their use of phthalates, particularly child care products.
In Canada, one particular phthalate called DEP, or diethyl phthalate, has been regulated in cosmetics, medical devices, and children’s products due to its confirmed toxicity. In Europe, things are a bit more regulated, as they have banned several phthalates due to their impact on reproductive health. Some of the prohibited chemicals include butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), among others.
While certain federal regulatory bodies have turned a blind eye to the potentially serious risks of these rampant chemicals, there have been reports of phthalates serving as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals have been linked to adverse developmental and reproductive effects in males, female thyroid complications, and children’s behavioral problems.
Staying informed & safe
With the rise of green living today, many brands have reformulated their products to fit the “clean” beauty standard and have eliminated phthalates altogether. Unfortunately, this is not a common practice across many industries, and phthalates can still pose a threat to your health. It would be unfair to say we should steer clear of these chemicals entirely, since they are so widespread in our everyday lives.
However, I do think it’s reasonable to commit to making more sustainable, eco-conscious choices as we navigate daily life, in an effort to protect ourselves and our loved ones from substances that can harm our well-being.
A few ways to help you choose safer options for personal care and household items are shared below.
- Prioritize non-toxic alternatives and avoid plastic and PVC products as much as possible.
- If using plastic-containing products, choose ones that specifically state “phthalate-free” and “BPA-free”.
- Minimize reheating food in plastic packaging. Doing so may leech higher concentrations of phthalates into your food and body.
- Avoid fragranced (parfum) products. Fragrance-free does not necessarily mean phthalate-free, as there could be phthalate-derived ingredients that mask the fragrance.
- Consider mixing high-quality essential oils with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil to create your own natural perfume, or add essential oils to raw shea or cocoa butter for a luxurious moisturizer.
- Take extra precautions when choosing products for young children and pregnant women. Take time to review the ingredients list carefully.
- Carefully read ingredient labels in your beauty products, and avoid those containing the common culprits noted above such as DBP.
- Stick with simple ingredients sourced from nature for your beauty routine. Remember, less is more!
Share Your Thoughts!
I’m far from perfect on this green journey, and I’ll be the first to admit that I love wearing my fancy perfumes. I’ll also admit that sometimes it’s just more convenient to go with the conventional household cleaner, but I do give myself credit when I make a more informed choice that’s better for me in the long run.
How about you, what hacks have you discovered when it comes to eco-conscious and low-toxin living? What are some of your favorite personal care or household product swaps? Let us know in the comments below!