- DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate). Often found in skincare and personal care products, such as deodorants, perfumes and aftershaves, shampoos and hair gels.
- DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate). Used in PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastics.
- BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate). Used in floor products (lino or vinyl), cars and in personal care products.
- DMP (dimethyl phthalate). Used in some plastics, as well as insect repellents.
What are phthalates?
April 15, 2013
What are Phthalates and what are they used for?
Phthalates (pronounced f-thal-lates), are used as plastic softeners and as lubricants and solubilisers (to dissolve things in) in cosmetics. Phthalates are not only found in plastics, they’re in everything from hairspray and nail polish, fragrances, perfumes, shampoo, air fresheners, laundry powders, vinyl, cars, coatings on wires and cables, shower curtains and much more.
What’s the problem with Phthalates?
Phthalates are endocrine disrupters and hormone mimickers, leading to problems such as low fertility, early puberty in girls, premature births and testicular cancer. Studies are also showing that phthalates are linked to obesity.
How do I avoid Phthalates?
It’s not always easy to avoid phthalates, because many products don’t list them on the label (unless the label says “phthalate free”).
Read the list of ingredients in products. You may see phthalates listed by their chemical names: