The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Because of the risks, most major cosmetics companies (Revlon, L'Oréal, Johnson & Johnson, and Unilever) have eliminated phthalates from their products, or … [ 3] In short, if you look around, you might find phthalates in: Phthalates are a diverse group of materials that make plastics more flexible and are used in a wide variety of products, such as toys, vinyl flooring and wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, blood bags and tubing, and some cosmetic and personal care products. Can phthalates be used in personal care products intended for use by children? In 2001 the fragrance industry was using around 4,000 tons of DEP annually. Similar, when considering exposure European experts, (SCCNFP) agree with CIR and concluded in their 2002 opinion that "the safety profile of diethyl phthalate supports its use in cosmetic products at current levels." Exposure to DEHP can result from contact with medical devices or during medical procedures where devices or equipment containing phthalates are used. Learn more about SCCNFP’s 2004 opinion on Dibutyl phthalate, It’s a myth that phthalates are ‘hidden’ in fragrances. In the same way, it is quite wrong to consider all phthalates as the same: they are not. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has stated that, at the present time, it does not have evidence that phthalates as used in cosmetics pose a safety risk. Phthalates are found in many scented and cosmetic products, where they stabilize the fragrance, increase spreadability, and enhance absorption. This is legally allowed by the strict cosmetic safety laws and is common practice around the world. The State of California and other authoritative bodies have classified dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a reproductive and developmental toxicant, and the European Union banned the use of this ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products. DBP is not permitted for use in cosmetics and personal care products in the European Union (see Annex II). eating and drinking foods that have been in contact with containers and products containing phthalates Sunscreens: How to Read a Label, Expert Tips etc. 5. Think about your raincoat or your shower curtain. Based on this information, FDA determined that there wasn’t a sound, scientific basis to support taking regulatory action against cosmetics containing phthalates. The CIR Expert Panel considered the issue of DBP reproductive toxicity in their review. The safety of DMP, DEP and DBP has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. Learn more Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP), Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): National Toxicology Program summary sheets on DMP, DEP, and DBP, FDA Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21. The Product is listed, followed by the amount of phthalate present as parts per million, for the three types of phthalate – Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP), Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP). You have bookmarked a page that has moved. It is, however, not a way of ‘hiding’ ingredients as is sometimes, wrongly, claimed. The study, Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure, published in Pediatrics, 2008, indicates that infants receive widespread exposure to a variety of phthalates found in lotions and shampoos. None of the data reviewed by FDA established an association between the use of phthalates in cosmetic products and a health risk. The EU's expert scientific committee concluded that, in view of the high Margins of Safety (MoS) determined for the other phthalates,  traces of up to 100 ppm total or per substance do not pose a risk to consumers’ health.To see reviews from CIR and SCCNFP of DEP and trace levels of phthalates in cosmetic products visit: A few, but by no means all phthalates have been found to be harmful to reproduction when tested at high doses in laboratory rodents. Since the 1930s, scientists have used a family of chemicals called phthalates in an astonishing array of consumer products—from shower curtains to cosmetics to food containers. Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products? “They are used to provide flexibility in plastics. Phthalates are a diverse group of materials that make plastics more flexible and are used in a wide variety of products, such as toys, vinyl flooring and wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, blood bags and tubing, and some cosmetic and personal care products. Both scientific groups have positively affirmed the safe use of DEP in cosmetic products without restriction. Phthalates in these products may be absorbed through contact with the skin or may be inhaled if some of the product is present in the air. T The FDA continues to survey phthalate use in the ingredients of cosmetics and has even found a decreasing trend of the levels of phthalates used in … Like personal care products intended for use by adults, the only phthalate that is sometimes present in personal care products intended for children and infants is DEP. Health All Health allergens/irritants cancer developmental & reproductive toxicity endocrine … Search to the right to find information on the ingredient you are looking for >>>. Either way, BPA also has been demonstrated, exhaustively, to be safe for use in packaging for food or cosmetics. All of the ingredients that make up the fragrance are still assessed very carefully as part of the overall product safety assessment. Phthalates are found in human urine. Phthalates in these products may be absorbed through contact with the skin or may be inhaled if some of the product is present in the air. Phthalates (THAL-ates) are chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible. Dimethyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate and Dibutyl Phthalate are prepared by reacting phthalic acid with methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol and butyl alcohol, respectively. The Panel estimated historical exposure to DBP from cosmetic and personal care products and found it to be far below levels that did not cause reproductive and developmental effects in animals. DEP has been reviewed by the U.S. No substances banned from use as cosmetic ingredients are allowed to be used as components of cosmetic fragrances. This is due to the phthalates in cosmetics and other fragranced products that we use every day on our faces and our entire bodies. Phthalates are also commonly found in numerous wellness, personal care and cosmetic products such as: pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, nail polish, lotions, soaps, cleansers and hair care products (shampoos, sprays). But these laws only took place in 2009, so anything made of soft plastic that was manufactured before that probably contains phthalates (think rubber duckies, not Legos). Phthalates make up a diverse family of substances each with its own, unique spectrum of properties. In 1985, the CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that these phthalates were safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. Therefore, the CIR Expert Panel did not see the need to change their original conclusion that DBP was safe as used in cosmetic products. The only phthalate which still has some usage in cosmetic and personal care products is diethyl phthalate (DEP). FDA noted that an expert panel convened from 1998 to 2000 by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), headquartered at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), concluded that reproductive risks from exposure to phthalates from all sources were minimal to negligible in most cases. Therefore, the CIR Expert Panel reaffirmed their original conclusion that DBP is safe as used in cosmetic products. The safety of DEP is well accepted among the scientific community. DEP can also function as an alcohol denaturant , rendering alcoholic products unfit for oral consumption. The safety profiles of different phthalates are not all the same, with some possessing undesirable properties while others do not (much in the same way, mushrooms as a family includes both edible nutritious mushrooms and poisonous toadstools). The site is secure. The safety of DEP is well supported among the scientific community. They're also used as solvents in household products: 1. self-care products, such as: 1.1. cosmetics 1.2. non-prescription drugs 1.3. natural health products 2. construction and renovation products, such as: 2.1. building materials 2.2. lubricants and greases 2.3. paints and coatings 2.4. adhesives and sealants 3. fabrics and textiles 4. electrical items and electronics 5. children's toys and child care articles Phthalates may also … Bisphenol A (BPA) is sometimes confused with phthalates, but is a completely unrelated substance. Phthalates work as softeners in personal care products such as cosmetics and shampoo, as well as flexible plastics like children’s toys. In 2002 and 2005, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on these three ingredients and ultimately reaffirmed their safety. In 2007, the EU found them safe. High phthalates include those with 7-13 carbon atoms in their chemical backbone, which gives them increased permanency and durability. FDA has reviewed all of the available safety and toxicity data for phthalates, including biomonitoring data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) measuring levels in human urine, as well as the CIR conclusions based on reviews in 1985 and 2002. Fragrances are usually composed of numerous individual substances that are blended together to achieve the desired scent. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in plastics to soften and increase flexibility. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and the European Commission's independent scientific expert committee (the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, SCCS and formerly known as the SCCNFP). Low-molecular-weight phthalates (e.g., diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)) can be used in personal care products (e.g., perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, and nail polish), as solvents and additives, and in making lacquers, varnishes, and timed-release coatings for some medications (see Table 5). The link to this page may not be correct or is out-of-date. Recognized scientific experts and governmental agencies have concluded repeatedly that DEP is safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products as currently used. In addition to confirming the safety of DEP, the SCCS also reviewed the safety of other phthalates that might be present in trace amounts in products due to their use in product packaging. Phthalates are also employed as … DBP was banned in Europe because all substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (categories 1 and 2) under EU chemical hazard classification legislation are automatically banned from use in cosmetics and personal care products, regardless of use concentration. The following is a list of companies that have contacted BCA to confirm that they do not use phthalates in their products. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. This study aims at determining phthalate levels in cosmetic and personal care products obtained from the Canadian market. Search FDA.gov Check the FDA Archive Contact FDA. The CIR also reported that DBP, DMP, DEP (common phthalates found in cosmetics) were safe for cosmetic use. Chemicals and contaminants linked to cancer can be found in food, water and many other everyday products. If a cosmetic product contains a fragrance, this is labelled using the word 'fragrance' or ‘parfum’ in the ingredients list rather than having to list out all of the individual components. However, no category of consumer products is subject to less government oversight than cosmetics and other personal care products. In a study that was done, phthalates were found in all of the samples. to phthalates during the use of many personal care products containing phthalates, such as hair products, cosmetics, and lotions. 11,23,24. Some products were found to have phthalates present and we’ve collated these in a list, ordered by type of product for your information. All Rights Reserved. DEP and DMP may legally and safely be used as part of the fragrance mix. They are in … Cosmeticsinfo.org, The Science & Safety Behind Your Favorite Products. Individuals may be exposed to phthalates during the use of many personal care products containing phthalates, such as hair products, cosmetics, and lotions 25). Because phthalates are widely used in many consumer products, their safety has been extensively researched and reviewed. In 2009, a study published in Critical Reviews in Toxicology found that BPA poses no risk from to humans. Phthalates are also known to be hormone-mimicking chemicals, many of which disrupt normal hormonal processes, raising concern about their implications for increased breast cancer risk. These phthalates can be absorbed into the body by touching or other direct contact with phthalate-containing products. Phthalates are a diverse group of materials that make plastics more flexible and are used in a wide variety of products, such as toys, vinyl flooring and wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, blood bags and tubing, and some cosmetic and personal care products. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in hundreds of products, such as toys, vinyl … DEP has been reviewed by the CIR Expert Panel and the European Commission’s independent scientific expert committee (the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, SCCS, formerly known as the SCCNFP). For example, all three ingredients may be used in adhesives that contact food, DEP and DBP may be used in food contact polymers, and DBP may be used as a slimicide in paper and paperboard used for food packaging. The page you are looking for is not available for one of the following reasons. Let us know. Chances are, you have phthalates to thank for how pliable they are. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, Partnerships: Enhancing Science Through Collaborations With FDA, The History of FDA's Fight for Consumer Protection and Public Health. Phthalates are chemical compounds that are commonly added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability and longevity. Historically, the phthalates used in cosmetic products have been dibutyl phthalate (DBP), used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes to reduce cracking by making them less brittle; dimethyl phthalate (DMP), used in hair sprays to help avoid stiffness by allowing them to form a flexible film on the hair; and diethyl phthalate (DEP), used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances. You can find them in: Cosmetics and personal care products, from perfume, nail polish, and hair spray to soap, shampoo… DBP and DMP have been discontinued in cosmetics and personal care products by manufacturers; and according to The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) analytical survey of cosmetic products, conducted in 2010, DBP and DMP were only rarely detected. DMP and DEP may  be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union . Both expert scientific groups have approved the safe use of DEP in cosmetic products and have not deemed it necessary to impose any specific warnings or restrictions for its use. Low-phthalates like DBP, DEP are also used as solvents in cosmetics products such as nail-polish, perfumed personal care products such as shampoos, lotions, and even in some pharmaceutical products. Happily, several types of phthalates are now banned from children's toys, teethers, bottles, and feeding products. FDA includes Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP), Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) and Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on its list of indirect food additives. We’re sorry. To date, all scientific reviews around the world by key scientific experts and governmental agencies have concluded that DEP is safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products under the current conditions of use. Phthalates Pronounced THAL-ates, these chemicals, which are linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer, have been banned from cosmetics in the European Union, but still remain prevalent in U.S. products. Phthalates with small R and R' groups are used as solvents in perfumes and pesticides. Banned from cosmetics in the European Union, phthalates are widely used in color cosmetics, fragranced lotions, body washes and other products sold in the United States. Phthalates are often called plasticizers and can be found not only in personal care products to help them maintain a gel-like consistency but also in garden hoses, inflatable toys and medical tubing. The low exposure to DBP in cosmetics and personal care products was not considered when this ban went into effect. Phthalates are one of the most commonly used plasticizers in the world and are categorized as “high” or “low,” depending on molecular weight. Most of the mainstream hair sprays, deodorants, nail polishes and perfumes that millions of people use every day contain these harmful chemicals. Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers, Opinion on Phthalates in Cosmetic Reports, general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union, http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/testing/status/agents/ts-11001-y.html, http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/testing/status/agents/ts-10112-f.html, http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/testing/status/agents/ts-10987-x.html, European Commission Scientific Committees, The Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers. Approximately 7.5 million tonnes of plasticizers are produced globally every year, of which European produced accounts for approximately 1.35 million metric tonnes. The .gov means it’s official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Consumer goods manufacturers add them to hard plastics to make those plastics soft and flexible. DEP is the only phthalate still periodically used in cosmetics, and its use is very limited; in fact, many personal care product manufacturers are discontinuing its use as an ingredient. According to a survey conducted by the FDA in 2010, DEP is the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetics as solvent and fixative in fragrance. Phthalates are multifunctional chemicals that are used in a variety of consumer products including cosmetic and personal care products. Teenage girls, for instance, have been found to use up to 17 personal care products a day. Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are a class of plasticizing chemicals. These ingredients should not be confused with Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a compound not used in cosmetics and personal care products. Several studies -- both in animals and humans -- … Phthalates are used in a wide range of cosmetic and food products — plus, they’re released into the environment. As mentioned earlier, the CIR Expert Panel estimated that exposure to DBP from using cosmetic and personal care products would be well below the dose that did not cause any reproductive and developmental effects in animals. It must be emphasized that DEP and DMP have no harmful reproductive effects. Links to the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products (SCCNFP) opinions on DEP: 2021 Copyright. Overall 252 products including 98 baby car … Other phthalates, such as Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have no history of use in cosmetics and personal care products. This included those phthalates that are banned as ingredients in cosmetic products in the European Union. 37 Setting safety standards for phthalates individually or for individual products without considering their interactions and cumulative effects could underestimate the real-world risks of phthalates to the health of children and adults. This opinion was confirmed in a second opinion in 2004. Or try one of these helpful links to FDA topics: Are you sure this is the right web address? Phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products. Phthalate ingredients can be used in personal care products intended for use by children - e.g., in lotions, shampoos, etc. Well supported among the scientific community websites often end in.gov or.mil looking. Committee on cosmetic products and a health risk Behind Your Favorite products at determining levels... Sunscreens: how to Read a Label, Expert Tips etc, transparency, durability longevity. 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