What are Pthalates and why are they in my Skin Care Products?
Phthalates are a group of manmade chemicals that have various uses in consumer products. They can make plastics softer and more flexible and are used in cosmetics to make scents linger longer. Shown to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems in animal studies, phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Scientists at government agencies in both the U.S. and Canada agree that exposure to the chemicals could cause a wide range of health and reproductive problems in people.
 Phthalates are known to cause a broad range of birth defects and lifelong reproductive problems in laboratory animals exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy and after birth. One study identified developmental abnormalities in male infants correlating to high phthalate levels in their mothers' bodies. They are also known to be hormone disruptors. This means it may mimic or behave like hormones and can interfere with the normal hormonal activity in our bodies which raises concern about their implications for increased breast cancer risk. They seem to have greater effects on the young. Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers are especially vulnerable. A recent study shows that no government agencies are looking at the big picture of multiple exposures to phthalates.
 Another study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that five percent of women between age 20 and 40 had up to 45 times more phthalates in their bodies than researchers initially hypothesized. CDC found phthalates in virtually every person tested, but the largest concentrations -- 20 times higher than the rest of the population -- were found in women of child-bearing age. Meanwhile, another study identified developmental abnormalities in male infants correlating to high phthalate levels in their mothers' bodies.
 Cosmetic manufacturers use phthalates because they cling to the skin to give perfumes and hair gels more staying power. The most commonly used phthalate in cosmetics is dibutyl phthalate or DBP. Since all cosmetic products, for example, makeup, hairspray, and body lotion should be labeled with their ingredients, check for this on the labels of your cosmetics. That being said however, since phthalates are used as fragrance ingredients in many cosmetics, consumers won't find these listed on the label. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets, so manufacturers are not required to disclose fragrance chemicals in the list of ingredients. Independent laboratory tests found phthalates in more than 70 percent of health and beauty products tested – including popular brands of shampoo, deodorant, hair mousse, face lotion and every single fragrance tested.  Also, because the regulations do not apply to products used exclusively by professionals--for example, in salons--the requirement for an ingredient declaration does not apply to these products.
 The best bet to avoid phthalates is to use products that are "fragrance-free" but beware of products marketed as "unscented" as these products may contain fragrances to mask unpleasant smells.
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For more information about ingredients in over the counter skin care products click here.
 Phthalates are known to cause a broad range of birth defects and lifelong reproductive problems in laboratory animals exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy and after birth. One study identified developmental abnormalities in male infants correlating to high phthalate levels in their mothers' bodies. They are also known to be hormone disruptors. This means it may mimic or behave like hormones and can interfere with the normal hormonal activity in our bodies which raises concern about their implications for increased breast cancer risk. They seem to have greater effects on the young. Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers are especially vulnerable. A recent study shows that no government agencies are looking at the big picture of multiple exposures to phthalates.
 Another study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that five percent of women between age 20 and 40 had up to 45 times more phthalates in their bodies than researchers initially hypothesized. CDC found phthalates in virtually every person tested, but the largest concentrations -- 20 times higher than the rest of the population -- were found in women of child-bearing age. Meanwhile, another study identified developmental abnormalities in male infants correlating to high phthalate levels in their mothers' bodies.
 Cosmetic manufacturers use phthalates because they cling to the skin to give perfumes and hair gels more staying power. The most commonly used phthalate in cosmetics is dibutyl phthalate or DBP. Since all cosmetic products, for example, makeup, hairspray, and body lotion should be labeled with their ingredients, check for this on the labels of your cosmetics. That being said however, since phthalates are used as fragrance ingredients in many cosmetics, consumers won't find these listed on the label. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets, so manufacturers are not required to disclose fragrance chemicals in the list of ingredients. Independent laboratory tests found phthalates in more than 70 percent of health and beauty products tested – including popular brands of shampoo, deodorant, hair mousse, face lotion and every single fragrance tested.  Also, because the regulations do not apply to products used exclusively by professionals--for example, in salons--the requirement for an ingredient declaration does not apply to these products.
 The best bet to avoid phthalates is to use products that are "fragrance-free" but beware of products marketed as "unscented" as these products may contain fragrances to mask unpleasant smells.
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For more information about ingredients in over the counter skin care products click here.