How to Avoid Phthalates in Personal Care Products
Studies show that the majority of personal care products on the market contain phthalates, which are linked to reproductive harm, birth defects and infertility.
A study from University of Washington researchers published in the journal Pediatrics (Sathyanarayana, S, C Karr, P Lozano, E Brown, AM Calafat, F Liu, and SH Swan. 2008. Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure. Pediatrics 121:e260-e268) provides compelling evidence that personal care products for babies, including lotion, shampoo and powder, caused elevated levels of phthalates in the youngsters. Phthalates may be found in plastics, fragrance and other consumer products.
Two facts make this new research of particular cause for action:
1. Young infants are more vulnerable than adults. The study authors write, “Young infants are more vulnerable to the potential adverse effects of phthalates given their increased dosage per unit body surface area, metabolic capabilities, and developing endocrine and reproductive systems.”
2. Dermal application, not just sucking on plastic toys, is a major route of exposure for infants. Researchers "found a strong association between several phthalates and infant care products that are applied dermally and therefore conclude that this is a major source and route of exposure for infant phthalate exposure, but phthalates from these products may also be ingested orally and inhaled.”
Phthalates are typically not listed on labels because the chemicals are hiding in the “fragrance.” Companies are not required to list fragrance ingredients on labels, due to the trade secrets loophole in labeling law, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is working to close this loophole by advocating for laws that better regulate the cosmetics industry.
In the meantime, consumers can take action to protect themselves from unnecessary exposure to phthalates by taking the following steps:
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Choose personal care products that do not contain synthetic fragrance. Check labels carefully; even “fragrance-free” products sometimes have masking fragrances that may contain phthalates.
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Check the labels of nail polish. Phthalate-containing nail polish should list “phthalates” on the label (because the chemicals are not used as part of the fragrance in that type of product).
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Ask the companies. Call the manufacturer if you have questions about whether your favorite personal care products contain phthalates. Most companies have a toll-free number. It’s important for companies to hear about your concerns regarding phthalates.
L’Oreal: 1-800-322-2036
Estee Lauder: 1-877-311-3883
Proctor & Gamble: 1-800-725-3296
Revlon: 1-800-473-8566
Avon: 1-800-445-AVON
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Search the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database to find personal care products without added synthetic fragrance at
www.cosmeticdatabase.org.
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Children’s toys and plastic products often contain phthalates, too! For more information about how to choose toys without phthalates, visit www.healthytoys.org.
To read the study abstract, visit Pediatrics online. Read the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics press release about the study and media clips in our Newsroom.
