Eau de no.
Spritzing on your perfume may make you feel good in the short term, but doctors are warning that a hidden ingredient in your favorite fragrance could lead to a host of health problems, from insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease to hormone issues that can affect fertility.
What’s the hidden ingredient?
Phthalates may not be listed among your perfume’s ingredients, but that doesn’t mean they’re not in there. Phthalates are a common ingredient in cosmetics, found in perfumes, nail polish, hair spray, shampoos, body washes, deodorants, and hand wash.
What do phthalates do?
Different kinds of phthalates have different uses. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) makes plastics more flexible and has been used in nail polishes to stop them from cracking. Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) also adds flexibility and is used in some hair sprays. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is used in perfumes to blend different fragrances together.
Why should people worry?
Multiple studies have linked phthalates to various health issues, including heart disease, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. A 2020 study also connected phthalates in the body to ADHD-related behavior problems in adolescents, and the Cleveland Clinic reports that it may lead to allergies and asthma as well.
Are phthalates hormone disruptors?
Experts believe that phthalates are hormone disruptors, which can interfere with hormonal and cellular function within the reproductive system. Research has associated high levels of phthalates with increased risk of infertility, poor sperm parameters, poor egg quality, and miscarriage.
What are the risks for women?
For women, phthalates have been linked to disruption in menstruation, ovulation dysfunction, and increased risk of endometriosis. Exposure could also cause girls to go into puberty at an earlier age, according to 2018 research by the University of California, Berkeley.
What are the risks for men?
It can cause similar issues for men: A 2002 Harvard University study discovered that men with normal levels of exposure to phthalates were associated with increased DNA damage in sperm.
Is there really enough in perfume to be harmful?
According to the FDA, no — but some experts beg to differ. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel published a report in 2002 saying that phthalates were safe in cosmetic products, claiming that the exposure level isn’t high enough to be harmful. However, experts warn that the accumulation of all phthalates and other endocrine disruptors in our daily exposure adds up.
What should we do about it?
Even if you’re prepared to ditch phthalates, it can be tough to weed out the products made with them because they don’t actually have to be listed on any ingredient label. However, there are some solutions. Databases like those run by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and EWG’s Skin Deep allow users to search for specific products they use for a breakdown of ingredient concerns. Experts also recommend decreasing the number of fragrance products you buy and use, and examining the ingredients of replacement products.
Conclusion
Phthalates may be a common ingredient in perfumes, but they can have serious health consequences. While the FDA claims that the amount in cosmetics doesn’t pose a health risk, experts warn that the accumulation of all phthalates and other endocrine disruptors in our daily exposure adds up. To minimize the risks, it’s recommended to decrease the number of fragrance products you buy and use, and examine the ingredients of replacement products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are phthalates safe in cosmetic products?
A: The FDA claims that phthalates are safe in cosmetic products, but experts warn that the accumulation of all phthalates and other endocrine disruptors in our daily exposure adds up.
Q: Can I find phthalates on ingredient labels?
A: No, phthalates don’t actually have to be listed on any ingredient label. However, databases like those run by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and EWG’s Skin Deep allow users to search for specific products they use for a breakdown of ingredient concerns.
Q: What are the risks of phthalates?
A: Phthalates have been linked to various health issues, including heart disease, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. They can also cause hormone issues that can affect fertility.
Q: Can I avoid phthalates?
A: Yes, experts recommend decreasing the number of fragrance products you buy and use, and examining the ingredients of replacement products. You can also look for products labeled as "phthalate-free" or "fragrance-free".
