Phthalates in personal care products?

Contributor: Coralbell Coralbell
I have always heard of pthalates in relation to toy materials, or plastics like water bottles and children's toys. Today, I noticed that my body wash says it is paraben and phthalate free. Does this mean that other body washes or personal care products contain phthalates? If so, what would I look for on the ingredient list to avoid them?
09/17/2011
  • Upgrade Your Hands-Free Play!
  • Long-distance pleasure set for couples
  • Save Extra 20% On Love Cushion And Toy Set!
  • Complete strap-on set for extra 15% off
  • Save 50% On Shower Nozzle With Enema Set
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
All promotions
Contributor: Peggi Peggi
Quote:
Originally posted by Coralbell
I have always heard of pthalates in relation to toy materials, or plastics like water bottles and children's toys. Today, I noticed that my body wash says it is paraben and phthalate free. Does this mean that other body washes or personal care ... more
Why yes, yes they do. They are in body washes, some shampoos, and some make-ups as well.
09/17/2011
Contributor: Ivy Wilde Ivy Wilde
What exactly are phthlates? And what makes them bad? I know that we are supposed to avoid them, but I don't really know why.
09/17/2011
Contributor: Coralbell Coralbell
Quote:
Originally posted by Peggi
Why yes, yes they do. They are in body washes, some shampoos, and some make-ups as well.
So would the ingredient list actually show "phthalates" as an ingredient, or are there other words that are used? I always read ingredient lists and I have never seen that listed on anything before.
09/17/2011
Contributor: Coralbell Coralbell
Quote:
Originally posted by Ivy Wilde
What exactly are phthlates? And what makes them bad? I know that we are supposed to avoid them, but I don't really know why.
From what I have read, they are chemicals used to soften plastics. They can disrupt hormones and cause reproductive problems.
09/17/2011
Contributor: Peggi Peggi
Quote:
Originally posted by Coralbell
So would the ingredient list actually show "phthalates" as an ingredient, or are there other words that are used? I always read ingredient lists and I have never seen that listed on anything before.
Want to know something terrifying? Most products that contain them, do NOT list them in the ingredients and are currently not required to do so by law!

They can be found in nail polishes as well!

Here is a quote from an article on them:
A significant loophole in the law allows phthalates (and other chemicals) to be added to fragrances without disclosure to consumers. Because fragrance occurs in nearly every conceivable product, including lotions, soaps, cleansers and hair care products, phthalates are common.
09/17/2011
Contributor: Peggi Peggi
Something that I found interesting, was a link while looking up information on the official CDC (centers for disease control) websites, was this page here:
link

But just know, most cosmetics contain them, as do soaps, shampoos, etc., like I mentioned before. That isn't the only place you will see them, though. They're in products we use every day and don't even think about.
09/17/2011
Contributor: Coralbell Coralbell
Quote:
Originally posted by Peggi
Want to know something terrifying? Most products that contain them, do NOT list them in the ingredients and are currently not required to do so by law!

They can be found in nail polishes as well!

Here is a quote from an article on ... more
Thanks for the info. No wonder I've never seen it on a label. I actually use almost all fragrance free products, since I have very sensitive skin and allergies, so I guess that's unintentionally been helping me avoid phthalates. I do have lip gloss that's flavoured/scented though, and some hair products, so there might be some in there. It's really hard to find hair stuff and lip gloss that's unscented though
09/18/2011
Contributor: Peggi Peggi
Quote:
Originally posted by Coralbell
Thanks for the info. No wonder I've never seen it on a label. I actually use almost all fragrance free products, since I have very sensitive skin and allergies, so I guess that's unintentionally been helping me avoid phthalates. I do have lip ... more
Very true about finding lip glosses that are unscented! I know that chapstick makes one in a blue tube that doesn't contain them. I used to be vegan, and on top of that I also limited products with any type of chemicals in it as well. So I had to do a lot of research! I know that the "moisture" version of Chapstick is Phthalate free. If you go to a store called The Body Shop they have an "extra hold" hair spray that doesn't have them (although I'm not so sure the other hair sprays do not contain them).
09/18/2011
Contributor: Ghost Ghost
I only buy handmade personal care products, so I know exactly what they are made of.
09/19/2011
Contributor: Peggi Peggi
Quote:
Originally posted by Ghost
I only buy handmade personal care products, so I know exactly what they are made of.
That tends to be the safest way to go, if you aren't into long hours of research (which can be SO time consuming!!!)
09/19/2011
Contributor: geliebt geliebt
I have to second the notion of just buying handmade as much as possible. Indie makeup and body products are the bomb! No worries about icky stuff.
11/24/2011
Contributor: amenti amenti
I try to avoid them and parabens as much as I can. They cause me IC flare ups and sometimes UTIs. I would NEVER use something with phthalates or parabens on my downstairs.
12/06/2012