What exactly are phthalates? How do you even pronounce the word? Why are phthalates in cosmetics? Besides behind hard to pronounce, phthalates are chemical compounds. Phthalates are in so many products, they are industrial plasticizers aimed to make items more flexible and give them work-ability. The most common beauty products they are found in are moisturizers and nail polish. They are found in so many plastic products that we use everyday.
Other Common Products Include:
- Hair Spray
- Aftershave Lotion
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Perfumes
- Mascara
- Foundation
- Makeup removers
Phthalates are also found in things like:
- Vinyl Flooring
- Carpet
- Insect Repellant
- Plastic Toys – Exposure to phthalates from day one
- Medical Devices – IV bags & plastic tubing
- Plastic Wrap
- Car Seats
- Wallpaper
How Many Types of Phthalates in Cosmetics are Used?
There are many types of phthalates! They are a group of chemicals! The primary one that is found in cosmetics is DBP or dibutylphthalate. Try saying that 5x fast! Also popular is dimethylphthalate or DMP. There is also Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate or DEHP which is found in eyelash glue. Lastly, is DEP or diethylphthalate.
DBP is found in items like nail polish which work to reduce the product from cracking. DBP is a plasticizer in products so it works to make them less brittle. DMP is found in products like hairspray. DMP allows the flexible hold that we look for in hairsprays. DEP is found in fragrances and perfumes. There were many types of phthalates in cosmetics that were once used. DEP is the last phthalate being used in cosmetics products. That were told at least…there is a lot of information and lack of regulation when it comes to the cosmetics and beauty industry.
What are the Effects of Phthalates?
There is some debate when it comes to the effects of phthalates in cosmetics and phthalates in general have on the human body. The National Toxicology Program or NTP state that phthalates cause little to no reproductive risks in most cases. In the EU, DBP which is found in nail polish is listed as an endocrine disrupting compound. The endocrine system are all the glands that secrete hormones to the body and to the bloodstream. The endocrine system is linked to all the major organs in the body.
Did you know we are all exposed to phthalates?
Phthalates are found in human urine. In a study that was done, phthalates were found in all of the samples. This is due to the phthalates in cosmetics and other fragranced products that we use every day on our faces and our entire bodies. They are in the products we put on ourselves and our families. Phthalates are in the things we eat! Pregnant women exposed to phthalates experienced babies with genital development defects. The baby boys were all exposed to phthalates when they were nursing.There were phthalates on the skin of their mothers and also in the breast milk.
DEHP and DBP can be toxic to reproduction system!
Not only do they affect sperm levels, but phthalates also caused infertility in men. Men experienced much lower sperm levels. Women exposed to phthalates did see irregularities to their levels in sex hormones. These irregularities mess up the development and functionality of breasts and other sex organs. Both hormone levels of men and women are affected by phthalates.
DEHP is a carcinogen!
DEHP is a cancerous to humans. This has been confirmed by both the National Toxicology Program and the US Environmental Protection Agency. DBP encourages the growth of breast tumor cells. DBP makes anti-estrogen treatments not as effective against tumors. It is extremely vital that pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are extremely vulnerable to phthalates. It is best for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to avoid phthalates in cosmetics.
Do any countries ban phthalates in cosmetics?
Not the USA! The United States still uses phthalates in cosmetics products. However, in the European Union, things are different! The European Union are regulating phthalates in cosmetics. They have banned DBP and DEHP from being used in cosmetics. The USA and the FDA do not yet recognize the dangers of phthalates in cosmetics. They are dangerous and cause serious damage to the lungs, kidneys, reproductive system, and liver. The FDA still believes that low quantities/limited exposure is not dangerous, but that is not 100% correct.
How to Avoid Phthalates in Cosmetics.
Read Your Labels Hunny! Awareness is everything and we need to read the ingredients in our food and cosmetics products. It is important to read the labels especially on things like nail polish and other nail products. Some companies may use phthalate-free on their product label but if something called “fragrance” is used, then it indeed has phthalates. Avoid products that have “fragrance” listed as an ingredient, it is important to limit our exposure to phthalates in cosmetics and other products.
Thankfully many companies are offering phthalates free products. They also paraben free and sulfate free products.
Tips & Tricks to Avoid Phthalates
- Avoid plastic! And never heat your food in a plastic container. This may be the hardest thing to break due to our addiction to plastic containers, ziplocs, the container store! Try getting a glass storage container instead. Other great materials for food storage are stainless steel and silicone.
- Avoid older plastic toys! Before 2009, several types of phthalates were unregulated and were in many plastic toys…especially soft toys. These would be items perfect for children, like bottles, feeding items, teething rings, toys. Now
- Avoid products with fragrance listed! Parfum, Fragrance…all mean phthalates. Instead, look for phthalate-free, no synthetic fragrances, or made using essential oils as an alternative.
- Get a Nano-Filtration System to filter your water! The normal charcoal water can still find traces of DEHP. DEHP is found in water due to the phthalates that are in the water pipes. This water filter would help to filter out phthalates and would be a much safer way to drink at home filtered water.
- Be aware of the type of Plastic Bottles you use! Only Use plastic with the following recycling codes: 1,2, 5. Avoid recycling codes 3 and 7, they have phthalates. The goal is to limit exposure!
- Go Organic! Phthalates are in pesticides, so by eating organic certified produce, meat, and dairy products you get only the best! Organic certified products do not allow any pesticides or animals fed pesticide treated food. It is also better for you to eat organic!
- Use phthalate-free products! Read the label, use products that are listed as phthalate- free only!
The Breakdown on Phthalates in Cosmetics
The USA doesn’t see the dangers of these ingredients like other countries like the European Union. Phthalates are dangerous and cancerous. It is best to avoid items that include phthalates in them. Pregnant and nursing mother’s should avoid exposure to phthalates. Limit as much exposure as possible! There has also been some speculation that Phthalates can cause acne breakouts and could be the quite cause of your sensitive skin and pimples. If you are prone to acne I have developed a great guide on natural products that reduce acne breakouts found here.
Awareness is key! As consumers we deserve to know that what we are using is safe!
******This is not medical advice, this is my opinion only.******
