Glossary
A group of synthetic chemicals used in cosmetics to make fragrances last longer and in plastics to increase flexibility. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors linked to hormonal imbalances and are found in many conventional personal care products, often hidden under the label 'fragrance.'
Phthalates are a family of chemicals with names like diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP). In personal care products, DEP is the most commonly used phthalate, serving as a solvent and fixative for fragrances. It makes scented products smell stronger and last longer on the skin. The problem is that under current FDA regulations, phthalates used as part of a fragrance blend do not need to be listed individually on the label. They hide behind the single word "fragrance."
This means a consumer reading a product label has no way to know whether phthalates are present if the label says "fragrance" without further explanation. Since the average American uses 6 to 12 personal care products daily, the cumulative exposure to phthalates from products containing undisclosed fragrance chemicals can be significant.
Phthalates are classified as endocrine disruptors, chemicals that can interfere with the body's hormone system. Animal studies have linked phthalate exposure to reproductive abnormalities, particularly in males. Human epidemiological studies have associated phthalate exposure with reduced fertility, changes in hormone levels, and developmental effects during prenatal exposure.
The European Union has banned or restricted several phthalates in cosmetics. The U.S. has not enacted comparable restrictions, though some states (California, Washington, Maryland) have begun passing their own phthalate regulations for personal care products. The FDA's position is that current evidence does not conclusively demonstrate safety risks at typical exposure levels, though the agency continues to monitor research developments.
The simplest way to avoid phthalates is to avoid products with "fragrance" or "parfum" on the ingredient list, unless the manufacturer specifically discloses the fragrance components. Products labeled "phthalate-free" have made a voluntary commitment. Our products use only essential oils for scent, which are single-plant extracts rather than synthetic fragrance blends. No phthalates, no mystery ingredients.
No. The U.S. has not banned phthalates in cosmetics at the federal level, though certain phthalates are restricted in children's toys. Several states have enacted or are considering their own restrictions. The EU has been more aggressive, banning or restricting multiple phthalates in personal care products.
You often cannot tell from the label alone. Phthalates used in fragrance blends can be hidden behind the single ingredient listing 'fragrance' or 'parfum.' Look for products labeled 'phthalate-free' or those that use only essential oils and disclose all fragrance components individually.
Yes. Our products contain no synthetic fragrances and therefore no phthalates. When we use scent in our formulations, it comes from essential oils, which are distilled from actual plants. Every ingredient is listed plainly on our labels.
Keep Learning
Browse hundreds of terms covering honey, beekeeping, and natural skincare.