Phthalates in Cosmetics (2024)

Phthalates are used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products. Phthalates are chemical compounds developed in the last century that are used to make plastics more durable. These colorless, odorless, oily liquids also referred to as “plasticizers” based on their most common uses. They do not evaporate easily and do not permanently bind to plastic surfaces to which they are applied. Phthalates also function as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes and other fragrance preparations. Cosmetics that may contain phthalates include nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, cleansers, and shampoos.

How to Know if Phthalates are in the Cosmetics You Use

Historically, the primary phthalates used in cosmetic products have been dibutylphthalate (DBP), used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes (to reduce cracking by making them less brittle); dimethylphthalate (DMP), used in hair sprays (to help avoid stiffness by allowing them to form a flexible film on the hair); and diethylphthalate (DEP), used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances. According to the FDA's latest survey of cosmetics, conducted in 2010, however, DBP and DMP are used rarely. DEP appears to be the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetics.

Under the authority of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), the FDA requires an ingredient declaration on cosmetic products sold at the retail level to consumers. Consumers can tell whether some products contain phthalates by reading the ingredient declaration on the labels of such products.

However, the regulations do not require the listing of the individual fragrance or flavor, or their specific ingredients. Fragrance or flavor may be listed as such. As a result, a consumer may not be able to determine from the ingredient declaration on the label if phthalates are present in a fragrance or a flavor used in the product. Based on currently available safety information, the FDA does not have safety concerns with the use of DEP as currently used in cosmetics and fragrances. Consumers who nevertheless do not want to purchase cosmetics containing DEP may wish to choose products that do not include "Fragrance" or “Flavor” in the ingredient declaration.

Possible Health Effects of Phthalates in Cosmetics

The FDA considers all available scientific literature on the safety of phthalates in cosmetics published by the scientific community.

In 2002, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, an industry-sponsored organization that reviews cosmetic ingredient safety and publishes its results in open, peer-reviewed literature, reaffirmed its original conclusion (reached in 1985), finding that DBP, DMP, and DEP were safe as used in cosmetic products. (See “Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments 2002/2003,” International Journal of Toxicology (Supplement 1), 1-102, 2005.) Looking at maximum known concentrations of these ingredients in cosmetics, the panel evaluated phthalate exposure and toxicity data, and conducted a safety assessment for DBP in cosmetic products. The panel found that levels of exposures to phthalates from cosmetics were low compared to levels that may cause adverse effects in animals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report on March 21, 2001, titled "National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals." The report described a survey of a small segment of the U.S. population for environmental chemicals in urine to learn more about the extent of human exposure to industrial chemicals. One group of chemicals surveyed was phthalates. While the CDC report noted elevated levels of phthalates excreted by women of child-bearing age, neither this report nor the other data reviewed by the FDA established an association between the use of phthalates in cosmetic products and a health risk. Based on this information, the FDA determined that there wasn’t a sound, scientific basis to support taking regulatory action against cosmetics containing phthalates.

An expert panel convened by the National Toxicology Program, part of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, from 1998 to 2000, concluded that reproductive risks from exposure to phthalates were minimal.

As the FDA continues to follow the ongoing scientific discussions, we will consider additional actions as needed.

The FDA's Role in Regulating Phthalates in Cosmetics

Under the law, cosmetic products and ingredients, with the exception of color additives, are not subject to FDA approval before they go on the market. Cosmetics must be safe under the labeled or customary conditions of use, and the FDA can take action against cosmetics on the market that do not comply with the law.

At the present time, the FDA does not have evidence that phthalates as used in cosmetics pose a safety risk. If we determine that a health hazard exists, we will advise the industry and the public, and will take action to protect consumers within the scope of our authority under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. For related information, see FDA Authority Over Cosmetics.

The FDA’s Continued Evaluation of Phthalates in Cosmetics

The FDA continues to monitor levels of phthalates in cosmetic products. We have developed an analytical method for determining the levels of phthalates in a survey of marketed cosmetic products.

The FDA published this analytical method and results of our 2004 survey in the article, “Analysis of Consumer Cosmetic Products for Phthalate Esters,” (J.C. Hubinger and D.C. Havery, Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006, vol. 57, pp. 127-137). We conducted a second survey in 2006. Results were published in the article, “A Survey of Phthalate Esters in Consumer Cosmetic Products," (PDF 488 KB) (J.C. Hubinger, Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010, vol. 61, no. 6, pp. 457-465). Results of a third survey, concluded in 2010, are shown below in the table, 2010 Survey of Cosmetics for Phthalate Content. We learned from these surveys that use of phthalates in cosmetics decreased considerably from 2004 to 2010.

Infant Exposure to Phthalates in Personal Care Products

Infants, like all consumers, are exposed daily to phthalates from a number of sources, including air, drugs, food (including breast milk), plastics, water, and cosmetics. The American Academy of Pediatrics published an article stating that infants exposed to infant care products, specifically baby shampoos, baby lotions, and baby powder, showed increased levels of phthalate metabolites in their urine (see “Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure,” S. Sathyanarayana, Pediatrics, 2008, vol. 121, pp. 260-268). This biomonitoring study was not designed to establish an association between these findings and any adverse health effects. In addition, levels of phthalates, if any, in the infant care products were not determined in this study.

In its survey that was completed in 2006, the FDA included 24 children’s products intended for infants and children, and included nearly 50 products for infants and children in the survey we completed in 2010. We learned that the use of phthalates in cosmetics intended for people of all ages, including infants and children, has decreased considerably since our surveys began in 2004.

Results of the FDA's 2010 Survey of Cosmetics for Phthalate Content

The products listed below represent a sample of cosmetics on the market at the time the survey was conducted, and products may have been reformulated since then. This survey was intended to monitor trends in the use of phthalates in cosmetics, not as a comprehensive analysis of all cosmetics on the market. The law does not require cosmetic firms to file their formulations with the FDA. Also, please note that some so-called "personal care products," such as diaper creams and nipple creams, are regulated as drugs, or in some cases both cosmetics and drugs. (See "Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?)")

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2010 Survey of Cosmetics for Phthalate Content

Product Type

Brand

Lot #

Phthalates (ppm)
DMPDEPDBP
Nail Polish
Pure Ice - Spit Fire991CP
Dora the Explorer Mega Nail Polish Kit- TownleyWO90817
Scherer Nail Polish CQ #143 CabernetNot visible
Rimmel Lycra Wear 10 Days Nail Polish #303 Vintage732318
In a New York Color Minute 224B8MBCK
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength #45 Fuchsia8MSHK
Hard Candy Just Nails (Glitter)9226
Petites Pink Crush 270 – CQNot visible
Revlon Nail Enamel Red Hot Tamale 908Not visible
Maybelline Express Finish Grape Times 608WF224
Nicole by OPI Razzle Dazzler09295AAG
Scherer Nail Polish CQ #107 Crystal ClearNot visible
LA Colors Nail Lacquer Red Stilettos CBLQ 389Not visible
LA Colors Art Deco Polish Silver Glitter CBNA 502Not visible
LA Colors Nail Hardener-Strengthener9796
Hot Topic Nail Polish BlackNot visible
Hot Topic Nail Polish GreenNot visible
Hot Topic Nail Polish PurpleNot visible
Hot Topic Nail Polish (Skull) GreenNot visible4,800
Hot Topic Nail Polish (Skull) BlackNot visible4.4
Hot Topic Nail Polish (Skull) YellowNot visible4
Simple Pleasures Nail Polish "Peace" (Glitter)Not visible
Simple Pleasures Nail Polish "Love" (Pink)Not visible
WetnWild Wild Shine 410A918201
Sinful Colors Professional Nail Polish Enamel Pinky Glitter 830Not visible
Sinful Colors Under 18Not visible
Borghese Nail Lacquer Vernis Botticelli Nude6KXJKC3.4
Sally Hansen High Definition 04 (Green)9MHYK
Cover Girl Boundless Base Coat Nail Color Red Revolution 5537239HV
Cover Girl Boundless Base Coat Nail Color Gold Rush 4159139HV
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Hot Magenta 036MTXK
Sally Hansen Salon Lacquer Nail Polish Orange You Cute? 4508JFDK6.6
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Rose-a-go-go 06AKVDKN
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength 33 Champagne Toast8M8OK
Avon Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel Polish Midnight PlumVEK19
Skin Cream and Lotion
Red Velvet Body Lotion - Gift PackH8920109
Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash with NutrimMoisture10079PP23S
Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Crème with Dry Skin Therapy90125515
Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion1129LK
Vaseline Sheer Infusion Vitamin Burst Body Lotion08149UM42
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated CreamN9215A
Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin MoisturizerY225106ZZA
Ponds Dry Skin Cream08289HU87
Dollar General Guarantee Skin Rescue Moisture Lock LotionC9A129
Noxzema The Original Deep Cleansing Cream with Eucalyptus OilRubbed out
Suave Powder Fresh Body Lotion10289JU41
Celine Dion Sensational Shimmering Body Lotion92251
Scentsations by Body Source Cherry Blossom Body LotionM9290AL18
Walgreens Advanced Care (Fragrance Free)0401609
Curel Continuous Comfort Original Formula MoisturizerX140106ZZA
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion, Normal to Dry Skin, Fragrance Free0118C
Nivea Soft Refreshingly Soft Moisturizing Crème73729160100
Bath, Body, etc… Organic Soothing Aloe Vera Body Lotion29473260
J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary Hand & Body Lotion0374579
Jergens Original Scent Cherry-Almond MoisturizerW106125ZZ110
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy OilRubbed out
St. Ives Hydrating Vitamin E Advanced Body Moisturizer09327021103
Vaseline for Men Hand Lotion05279HU09
Corn Huskers Heavy Duty Oil-Free Hand Treatment Lotion2969G
Malibu Hemp Moisturizer Body Lotion for Dry Skin5434
Keri Original Dry Skin Lotion23654901
Avon Haiku Perfumed Skin SoftenerMK091
Avon Jet Femme Body LotionMLP81
Avon Candid Perfumed Skin SoftenerMAN91
Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive Extra Strength CreamMIV91
Fragrance
Dove Go Fresh Body Mist090495U49
Jovan Island Gardenia Cologne Spray921814,000
Love’s Baby Soft Cologne Spray0906D48
A Little Sexy Body Spray by Parfums de Coeur09324
Axe Instinct Body Spray03119KK09
Curve Crush Body Mist9JA02
Bodycology Sweet Petals Body MistS9J27AK
Cotton Candy Body Spray Prince Matchabelli09267
Degree Classic Romance Body Mist4068
Hannah Montana Cologne Spray3169Y
Wanna Play Body Spray Parfums de Coeur092943,800
Chantilly - Walmart Gift Pack090723A7,300
Tabu - Walmart Gift Pack090721A6,200
Heaven Sent - Walmart Gift Pack090622B1,300
Navy - Walmart Gift Pack090722C40,000
English Leather - Walmart Gift Pack090721A3,900
British Sterling - Walmart Gift Pack090526A480
Canoe - Walmart Gift Pack09072482,000
English Leather Black - Walmart Gift Pack0907916
Johnson's Baby Cologne1919COB128135
Barbasol After Shave Pacific Rush60161
Aqua Velva Classic Ice BlueR09K174760
Tattooed by InkyNot visible
BOD Really Ripped Abs8TZ606,200
i Carly168961B
Baby Cream and Lotion
Johnson's Baby Lotion2519T
Dollar General Sleepy Time Baby Lotion8KF1025
Baby Avalon Organics Protective A,D & E Ointment6H01
Huggies Naturally Refreshing (Green Tea & Cucumber) LotionCU6287282
Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion9237
Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion0850801
Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream0209D
Parent's Choice Baby Lotion0034311
Johnson's Bedtime Lotion1759G
Johnson's Head-to-Toe Fragrance Free Baby Lotion0049LK
Johnson's Shea and Cocoa Butter Baby Cream0069VB
Susan Brown's Baby Sensitive Baby Lotion-to-powder10577A
California Baby Calming Everyday LotionCB9303A2
Deodorant
Brut 24-Hour Protection deodorant11029TR5322
Tom's of Maine Natural Care Lavender Deodorant StickLD1370
Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant9307TN
Axe Fresh Action Essence Deodorant08129UR16
Degree Men Deodorant Silver Ion Intense Sport11209UR392.9
Speed Stick Ocean Surf Deodorant9270502
Personal Care Clear Stick Deodorant08123A
Kiss My Face Active Enzyme Lavender DeodorantKO73008B
Dove Powder Invisible Solid09229UR86
Secret Powder Fresh9068TN34
Hair Products
Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee Firm HoldC8200
Garnier Fructis Style Body Boost Volumizing Gel48F6030
TRESemmé No Frizz Shine Spray09308TA20SDSIL250622
Suave Professionals Styling Foam Extra Hold11129KK6152
Rave 4X Mega Unscented Hair Spray11199HU6316
White Rain Unscented Extra Hold Hair Spray287CP3475403SDSIL1500161
Short Sexy Hair Quick Change Shaping Balm09219
American Crew Forming CreamF952CIOC50
Dep Sport Endurance Styling GelR2029932A26.8
TRESemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray09313AA141637
John Frieda Collection Frizz-Ease MousseY223DK17DDT2Q
Aussi Catch the Wave Mousse & Conditioner92755398F
Catwalk Extra Strong Mousse23374878312214223
Johnson's No More Tangles Detangling Spray0489VA
Manic Panic Amplified Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream10922
Color Fiend Blood Red Temporary Comb-In ColorRN0709
Color Fiend Pink Pop Water Based Semi-Permanent Hair ColorNot visible
Shampoo
Johnson's Baby Shampoo2118T
Suave Kids 2 in 1 Shampoo Smoothers Cowabunga Coconut081491J18
Ave Dual 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner01139TJ2717
Pantene Pro-v Moisture Renewal Hydration Quotidienne Shampoo93005401E1
Aveeno Baby Essential Moisture Shampoo0099VA
Big Sexy Hair Big Volume Shampoo09205150210
Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo Color ShieldEF036
Dove Intense Damage Therapy Shampoo08299JU39
VO5 Normal Balancing Shampoo09316020758440
Suave Professionals Sleek Shampoo07109JU41
Finesse Self Adjusting Moisturizing Shampoo9234M
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo93145395LF
TRESemmé Smooth and Silky Touchable Softness09231C1130
Advance Techniques Color Reviving ShampooMK19182
Avon High School Musical Raspberry Roarin’ 2-in-1 ShampooMKW91
Body Wash
Caress Daily Silk Silkening Body Wash10159UR022010
Equate Tropical Fresh Body Wash with Exfoliating Pomegranate SeedA50298-9328C1
Caress Tahitian Renewal Silkening Body Wash08069TJ37
Olay Body Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter Body Wash92595395WA
Suave Naturals Cucumber Melon Rejuvenating Body Wash11109J038
Suave Men Body Wash Active Sport09169CU0510
White Rain All Day Moisturizing Body Wash093203
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Body Wash03049PP05
Natural Concepts Sensitive Skin Body WashA48292926583340
Dial Clean and Soft Moisturizing Body WashQ89M0310806091102
St. Ives Renewing Collagen Elastin Moisturizing Body Wash09345181020141
Natural Concepts Natural Blends Body Wash Violet & PeaA40128-8353C1
Avon Naturals Strawberry & Guava Shower GelRubbed out
Avon Bubble Bath Bain-mousse Vanilla Cream for Dry SkinMLK91
High School Musical Strawberry Sudsin’ Body WashMLC91
Nipple Cream
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin for Breastfeeding Mothers39982
Gerber Breast Therapy Moisturizing BalmBK07A02UU
Children's Makeup
Kiss Me 2 Gift Pack Blush - Markwins
Kiss Me 2 Gift Pack Eye Shadow - Markwins1090075
Hard Candy in the Shadows Eye Shadow Collection9260
Claire's Cosmetics Eye Shadow11/09
Claire's Cosmetics Eye GlitterDR911333
Diaper Cream
Butt Butter Organics Herbal Diaper Rash Treatment31823
Burts Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment1070801
Baby’s Bliss Diaper Cream1386130
Lavera Baby & Kinder Neutral2897
Weleda Baby Calendula Baby Cream902212
Wet Wipes
Pull-ups Flushable Moist WipesMK929202A
Equate Flushable Wipes All Purpose09295D209651416
Pure'n Gentle Fragrance Free Wipes09272C230400512
Huggies Soft Skin Baby WipesMK914804A
My Fair Baby Baby Wipes38091679169
Infant Soap, Shampoo, Body Wash
Johnson's Head to Toe Baby WashRubbed out
Body Sense Baby Wash with Shea & Cocoa butterOU28781
My Fair Baby Baby Wash with Camomile608015001/A260
Burts Bees Baby Bees Shampoo and Wash2280801
Avon Bubble Bath Bain-mousse for KidsMKY91
Aubrey Organics - Natural Baby & Kids Bath Soap11249
Baby Oil
Johnson's Baby Oil2339G
Equate Delicate Baby Oil0031646
Burt's Bees Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil0460801
Face & Body Paint
Claire's Cosmetics Body Glitter07/09
Claire's Cosmetics Vanilla Glitter Body Mist0929301390
Alex Face Paint Studio - Face Paint9012LP
Snazaroo Face Painting KitT190803
Glitter Gel
Hard Candy Glitteratzi Eye Glitter Gel9301
Claire's Club Scented Body Glitter4926167
Alex Face Paint Studio - Pink Glitter Gel9B2351
Baby Powder
Johnson's Baby Powder2528RA
Body Sense Baby Powder9DG0797
Burt's Bees Baby Bee Dusting PowderNot visible

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Phthalates in Cosmetics (2024)

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