Phthalates
Also known as: diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), fragrance (may contain phthalates)
A group of plasticizing chemicals used to make cosmetics more flexible and fragrances last longer. Phthalates are potent endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive harm, developmental issues, and metabolic disorders.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Phthalates.
Even low-level exposure is concerning for pregnant women and children.
Daily phthalate exposure from cosmetics significantly increases urinary phthalate metabolite levels.
Multiple product sources create substantial cumulative endocrine disruption. Avoid all phthalate-containing products.
Health Risks
Potent endocrine disruptors that interfere with testosterone and thyroid hormones.
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2003 — phthalates and male reproductive development
Linked to birth defects, reduced fertility, and early puberty in girls.
Pediatrics, 2008 — prenatal phthalate exposure study
Associated with increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2012
Often hidden in 'fragrance' on ingredient labels, making them difficult to avoid.
Global Regulatory Status
How phthalates is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
DBP restricted in some states; no federal ban; DEHP not specifically banned by FDA.
Details
DBP and DEHP banned under Annex II as CMR substances; DEP allowed.
Details
Mirrors EU; DBP and DEHP banned; DEP allowed.
Details
DBP and DEHP prohibited on Hotlist; DEP permitted.
Details
DBP and DEHP prohibited; DEP permitted.
Details
DBP and DEHP restricted; DEP allowed.
Details
DBP and DEHP prohibited per Safety Technical Standards.
Details
DBP and DEHP prohibited by ANVISA.
Details
DBP and DEHP banned under ASEAN Cosmetic Directive Annex II.
Why Brands Use Phthalates
Act as solvents and fixatives in fragrances, and as plasticizers that improve product texture and flexibility in nail polishes and hair sprays.
0
products in our database
0
brands use it
4
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose phthalates because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like essential oils (for fragrance), vegetable glycerin, natural plant-based fixatives deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Phthalates in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing phthalates in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Get Your Free Ingredient Safety Report
Enter your email and we'll send you a personalized breakdown of the most common harmful ingredients in your daily products.
Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz products are 100% phthalate-free. We use no synthetic fragrance and disclose every ingredient on our labels.
