Phthalates: Why You Need To Avoid Them?

Phthalates: Why You Need To Avoid Them?

Whether you agree or disagree, chemicals are present in everything. Shockingly, your personal skin care products have become a major pathway of harmful chemicals exposure to your body. A 2009 research study has elaborated that increased exposure to phthalates may cause a bunch of health and skin risks among both men and women. High traces of phthalates were found in men who have been using personal care products such as cologne and aftershave and in infants whose mothers used infant skin care products such as lotions, shampoos, and creams. We understand you may find it difficult to keep yourself safe from this hidden chemical called phthalates, which you have been using unknowingly until now. Luckily, there are numerous ways to identify phthalates in your skin care products and switch to safer alternatives.

What Are Phthalates?

Phthalates are the chemicals that are used in a wide array of personal care products. It is commonly used in your lotions, face cleansers, nail polish, shampoo, perfumes, and detergents, and so on. They are used as dissolving agents, plasticizers to enhance the flexibility of plastics, and lubricants to soften your hair and skin.

Commonly used phthalates

  • DEHP (Di-ethylhexyl)phthalate
  • DBP (dibutyl phthalate)
  • DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate)
  • DMP (dimethyl phthalate)
  • DEP (diethyl phthalate)
  • DCP (dibutyl phthalates)
  • BzBP (benzyl butyl phthalate)
  • DiNP (diisononyl phthalate)
  • DiDP (diisodecyl phthalate)
  • DnHP (di-n-hexyl phthalate)

Major Risks

It has been observed that phthalates easily get absorbed into the human body by ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Numerous research studies have highlighted the negative impact of phthalates exposure on the human body and environment. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has detected high levels of phthalates among the US population. Furthermore, various ongoing and completed research studies have established a strong association between phthalate exposures and numerous health concerns like dermal allergies, body weight, and reproductive development. 

 

P.S.

Being alert and aware of what is going around is the best way to stay protected. It is solely your responsibility to choose the products, which are not laden with harmful chemicals.  Always read the product labels carefully and avoid using products that contain phthalates. Fortunately, for the purpose of safety, many cosmeceutical companies are betrothed in formulating phthalates, sulphates, and parabens free products.

The present definition of beauty is “looking healthy”. Nurture your skin from within with antioxidants, botanical extracts, topical vitamins, and fruit enzymes.  Understand the importance of safe skin care ingredients because good skin is the best foundation to wear every day. In nutshell, take back control of your skin and health.