Impact of Phthalates in Cosmetics & Packaging

As awareness of health-conscious beauty and clean packaging choices grows, the demand for “phthalate-free” cosmetics and cosmetic packaging continues to rise. Phthalates, pronounced “THAL-ates”, are a group of man-made chemicals generally used as plasticizers for softening plastics and fragrance stabilizers for cosmetics. They are capable of migrating and being absorbed, inhaled, and injected into our bodies, leading to potential health risks.

Although the FDA’s official stance remains complex, the European Commission identifies phthalates as endocrine, or hormone, disruptors. Discussion about the impact of phthalates on organ function and child development continues to sway consumers towards phthalate-free products. Not all plastic types and cosmetic products are at risk of containing phthalates. As consumers, we can learn how to decipher labels and plastic codes to make safe, phthalate-free health and beauty purchases.

Phthalates have been used in cosmetic products from nail polish to hair spray, but the use and frequency of these chemicals has changed in recent years.

While they all share a chemical structure, there are different types of phthalates, a handful of which are more common in cosmetic and fragrance products. These include DBP, DMP, DEHP and DEP. According to a 2010 FDA survey, DEP is the only phthalate still used in cosmetics.

• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was used in nail polish to make the product less brittle.

• Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) in hair spray limited stiffness and allowed the product to form a flexible film on hair.

• Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was found in eyelash glue.

• Diethyl phthalate (DEP) continues to be used as a stabilizer in fragrances, including scented products like shampoo, cleansers, lotion, and alike. This colorless, oily liquid helps the scent last longer.

The FDA’s Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) requires ingredients to be listed on cosmetic products, so consumers can look for phthalates in their personal care product’s label. However, the presence of phthalates is not always this clear.

FPLA regulations don’t require labels to expand upon the specific ingredients of additives like “fragrance” or “flavor”, which often appear listed as such. Since DEP is commonly used in fragrance, consumers who want to remain phthalate-free might also avoid cosmetic products with “fragrance” listed as an ingredient.

You can also shop products marketed as “phthalate-free”. Note that fragrance-free products are not guaranteed to be phthalate-free, and products with fragrance can be phthalate-free.

Phthalates are used to make rigid plastic packaging more flexible and durable. They are most commonly used in type #3 plastic, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) also known as Vinyl (V). Common products include medical storage bags and tubes, tablecloths, shower curtains, garden hoses, and more.

To avoid phthalates in cosmetic packaging, steer clear of cosmetic tubes and containers made of PVC plastic unless they are manufactured with an alternative plasticizer. Instead, look for cosmetic containers made of polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are generally regarded as phthalate-free. The “terephthalate” part of PET is not type a phthalate, but a chemically distinct substance.

The Cary Company’s collection of cosmetic jars is dominated by PET and PP options. We also offer glass jars, glass dropper bottles, and other excellent glass cosmetic packaging.

How often do we come in contact with phthalates? Known as the “everywhere chemical”, phthalates can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or injected.

We can encounter phthalates through many everyday items from vinyl flooring to clothing made of synthetic fibers. In cosmetics and personal care items, they can be found in products with fragrance such as body wash, shampoo, face cream, lotions, scrubs, scented mists, and more.

Chronic and consistent exposure to phthalates can lead to health risks, especially in developing children. In the United States, the FDA does not yet hold an official position on the health risks of phthalates as a whole. The European Commission, however, identifies phthalates as endocrine disruptors.

An endocrine disruptor affects development, hormone health, reproduction, and immune and nervous system function. Some phthalates are also associated with an increased risk of cancer. Phthalates tend to pass through the body quickly, commonly detectable in urine samples.

Pregnant women and young children are particularly advised to avoid phthalate exposure.

Referred to as a man-made pollutant, phthalates have been globally detected in the environment, migrating from landfills. Similar to their effect on humans, Washington’s Department of Ecology informs us that phthalates that migrate into soil and bodies of water can disrupt hormones, reproduction, development, and lead to toxic aquatic life.

Trends in favor of phthalate-free cosmetics and packaging are moving faster than regulations. Many industries are limiting phthalate use in response to customer demands.

When it comes to cosmetics and fragrance, the FDA does not have safety concerns over the current use of DEP based on available research. However, the FDA does regulate phthalate use in food packaging, currently allowing nine phthalates in food contact applications, such as conveyor belts, gloves, etc.

The United States’ Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) prohibits phthalates in children’s toys and child care products. Brands focused on making child-friendly cosmetic products should recognize the risks phthalates pose to child development and make efforts to stay phthalate-free.

Consumers challenge brands to develop clean products, free of phthalates, BPA, and other harmful additives. Following movements by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Breast Cancer Fund as well as consumer pressure, studies have shown a decrease in toxic phthalates in the US. Supporting brands with phthalate-free, clean products can help promote companies with holistic values.

Alternatives to phthalates can take more than one form, depending on whether you are trying to avoid them in your cosmetic product or cosmetic packaging. 

Cosmetic Alternatives

To avoid phthalates in cosmetics, shop phthalate-free alternatives. Additionally, customers may avoid products with “fragrance” unless they are explicitly phthalate-free. 

PVC Alternatives

Since phthalates can occur in PVC (Type #3) plastic, consumers may choose to only buy phthalate-free PVC which uses an alternative plasticizer. Additionally, popular plastic type alternatives include PET (Type #1), HDPE (Type #2), and PP (Type #5) plastic. Glass is also inherently phthalate-free.

The Cary Company boasts an extensive plastic selection largely made up of PET, HDPE, and PP packaging and containers– three popular phthalate-free and BPA-free plastic types. Cary takes pride in serving our customers and their values first and foremost, ensuring that our inventory is continually evolving to reflect consumer trends and preferences.

Looking to find the perfect glass or plastic bottle? If you have any questions, contact us at 630.629.6600 or check out our online selection!