Ever heard of phthalates? These chemical compounds are used to make plastics more durable—but they’re also found in many cosmetics, household objects (such as shower curtains), and skincare products. They’re the subject of much debate, and experts are divided on whether or not it’s crucial to avoid them. 

Here at Curology, we believe that knowledge is power—especially when it comes to helping you make the best possible decisions for your skin. We’ll explain everything you need to know about phthalates, why they’re a controversial ingredient, and how you can identify whether any of your go-to skincare and cosmetic products may contain them. Let’s get into it!

What are phthalates? 

Phthalates are chemicals used in many cosmetic, personal, and skincare products.¹ Phthalate esters are used in cosmetic products as skin softeners and moisturizers.²

Examples of consumer products that contain phthalates include hair spray, nail polish, lotion, deodorants, body washes, baby products, and many more.³ Over the years, there has been a lot of discussion surrounding exposure to phthalates and whether or not they are considered harmful to consumers. 

In the late ’90s, experts met to discuss potential concerns about human toxicity by phthalate exposure. In short, the panel of experts deemed the risk relatively low at that time, but they did address regulations for certain phthalates.⁴

Most of those regulations involved children's products. While research on phthalates has not revealed any acutely detrimental effects in animals or humans, certain chronic animal studies have indicated potential reproductive and developmental toxicity.⁵

How to identify phthalates in skin care products 

While the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires companies to disclose ingredients in almost every food, personal care product, and cosmetic, identifying phthalates in products can be tricky. That’s because certain phthalates may only be listed as part of a flavor or fragrance.⁶

The most common types of phthalates are dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), and diethylphthalate (DEP), which is the only one commonly found in cosmetic products.⁷ Donna McIntyre, a nurse practitioner at Curology, notes, “Consumers who want to ensure they are purchasing products without phthalates can look for fragrance or flavor-free products.”

Why are phthalates used?

Phthalates are found in many consumer products (both household and cosmetic). The most common types of phthalates include:⁸ 

• Dibutylphthalate (DBP) is often referred to as a “plasticizer.” It is commonly seen in nail polishes to decrease cracking. 

• Dimethylphthalate (DMP) is often used in hair sprays to help create a flexible film that decreases hair stiffness. 

• Diethylphthalate (DEP) has been used in fragrances and as a solvent.

Products high in phthalates

Experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) researched phthalate exposure in the United States.⁹ When urine samples were tested, the CDC determined that adult women had higher levels of phthalate metabolites than men for phthalates used in cosmetics and personal care products.¹⁰

Products with identifiable amounts of DEP and other phthalates include:

• Fragrances, such as perfumes and body spray

• Deodorants

• Hair products, such as hair spray and mousse

• Shampoo 

• Body wash

• Diaper cream

• Nail polish

Are phthalates harmful? 

While the CDC has stated that finding detectable amounts of phthalate metabolites in the urine doesn’t necessarily mean that the levels will cause damaging health effects,¹¹ research is divided on the matter. 

Researchers who published a study on the health impacts of phthalates state that chronic exposure to phthalates may be detrimental.¹² Categorized as Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), phthalates are found in plastics, causing human exposure through food consumption, food packaging, dust, and even clothing.¹³

Over the past several years, regulatory bodies have shed some light on the harmful effects of plastics, but it seems that many people may not be aware of just how much they are exposed to. 

One study discussed the epidemiological findings of phthalate toxicity in pregnancy and children. Their findings showed that phthalate exposure likely affected hormone levels and thyroid function.¹⁴

An analysis of 16 studies on phthalate exposure and pregnancy concluded that higher concentrations of phthalates in urine were associated with preterm delivery.¹⁵ 

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) board performed a literature review and published their findings that phthalates were safe for cosmetic products in the present practices of use and concentrations.¹⁶ The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences presented a panel of experts, stating that there were minimal harmful effects of phthalate exposure from a reproductive standpoint.¹⁷ 

Who is most at risk of phthalate exposure?

According to the CDC, adult women seem to have higher exposure levels than men for phthalates used in soaps and other personal care products. The same findings were true of the Non-Hispanic Black population, who were found to have higher phthalate levels than the Non-Hispanic white population.¹⁸ 

Does the FDA regulate phthalates?

Most cosmetic products and ingredients do not require FDA approval before going on the market. However, cosmetics must be safe under the usual conditions of use and must comply with the law. Though the FDA states they do not have evidence of safety risks with phthalates in cosmetic products, they will continue to monitor their levels in these products.¹⁹ 

The FDA has noted that since their surveys of marketed cosmetic products began in 2004, the use of phthalates in cosmetic products has decreased.²⁰

Finding personalized skincare

The jury is still out on phthalates and whether or not they are safe or harmful. What we do know is that phthalates are everywhere, and pretty much everyone has been exposed to them. 

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If you’re concerned about phthalates in your skincare, you can sleep better at night knowing that Curology’s products are free of phthalates. We believe in being transparent about skincare ingredients and follow science to develop effective skincare solutions. If you are interested in a skincare routine that is tailored to your concerns, please explore what Curology has to offer by getting started with a consultation with one of our licensed dermatology providers! 

P.S. We did the work so you didn’t have to:

1. Koniecki, D., et al. Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure. Environ Res. (April 2011).

2. Hubinger, J.C. A survey of phthalate esters in consumer cosmetic products. J Cosmet Sci. (November-December 2010). 

3. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Phthalates in Cosmetics. (2022, May 19).

4. Kamrin, M.A. Phthalate risks, phthalate regulation, and public health: a review. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. (February 2009).

5. Hubinger, J.C. A survey of phthalate esters in consumer cosmetic products. Ibid.

6. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Phthalates in Cosmetics. Ibid.

7. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Phthalates in Cosmetics. Ibid.

8. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Phthalates in Cosmetics. Ibid.

9. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Phthalates in Cosmetics. Ibid.

10.  U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Phthalates in Cosmetics. Ibid.

11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phthalates Factsheet. Ibid.

12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phthalates Factsheet. (2021, April 5).

13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phthalates Factsheet. Ibid.

14. Wang, Y., and Qian, H. Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Healthcare (Basel). Ibid.

15. Wang, Y., and Qian, H. Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Healthcare (Basel). Ibid.

16. Welch, B., et al. Associations Between Prenatal Urinary Biomarkers of Phthalate Exposure and Preterm Birth. JAMA Pediatrics. (2022, July 11). 

17. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments–2002/2003. International Journal of Toxicology. (January 2005).

18. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Phthalates in Cosmetics. Ibid.

19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phthalates Factsheet. Ibid.

20. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Phthalates in Cosmetics. Ibid.

21. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Phthalates in Cosmetics. Ibid.

Donna McIntyre is a board-certified nurse practitioner at Curology. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Donna McIntyre, NP-BC