Even as recently as ten years ago, few consumers were aware of terms like phthalates, parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate. These days, thanks in part to the plethora of information on the internet, shoppers are much better educated and are keen to know exactly what goes into the products they buy. Pure, phthalate free skin care products and other more ethically-minded goods are now very much on the savvy consumer's radar, and with good reason.
Phthalates are chemicals that have been in widespread use since the 1950's, mainly to soften plastics that would otherwise be brittle. They are also used in a variety of personal care goods, primarily to lubricate other chemicals and to help lotions penetrate the skin. In addition, they are used as preservatives to stabilize fragrances and help them last longer.
The main worry about these chemicals concerns their capacity as endocrine disruptors. The body's endocrine system is absolutely vital to the normal functioning of a variety of processes and any interference of it can have serious consequences. EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) are believed to negatively affect (among other things) infant development, the immune system and brain function.
Phthalates in particular are a variety of EDC known as xenoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen when they are ingested or absorbed. Scientists have voiced concern over these compounds for a number of years as evidence has continued to accumulate highlighting their negative effects. Among the health problems that have been linked to xenoestrogens are allergies, asthma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, obesity and infertility.
Although there is a lack of absolutely conclusive evidence regarding the harmfulness (or lack thereof) of phthalates, there is certainly enough data to cause concern. Animal studies have linked these compounds to anatomical abnormalities, low sperm count in male offspring and low birth weight. Human research is ongoing and more conclusive data will undoubtedly emerge in years to come.
At the current time, consumers who wish to avoid harmful compounds in their personal care purchases need to choose wisely. There are certainly a good variety of chemical-free goods now available, but making sure they are what they appear to be is not always straightforward. Some manufacturers are getting on the bandwagon and marketing products that are not as chemical-free as they would have us believe.
The packaging of these products may use the buzz words and terminology of natural personal care, but careful reading of the labeling will reveal their true colors. However, in the case of phthalates, determining their presence can be tricky since there is no mandatory labeling requirement. They can also be present in the product's fragrance even when they're not listed as ingredients. To be 100% sure, you may need to check the manufacturers website or contact them directly.
An additional complication stems from the containers that manufacturers use. These are often made from phthalate-containing plastic even if the product itself is free of them. Over time, phthalates will seep into whatever substance they are in close contact with and contaminate it. Conscientious manufacturers usually use phthalate-free packaging, but again, consumers may need to do some research to be 100% sure that what they're buying really is as non-toxic as it is claimed to be.
Phthalates are chemicals that have been in widespread use since the 1950's, mainly to soften plastics that would otherwise be brittle. They are also used in a variety of personal care goods, primarily to lubricate other chemicals and to help lotions penetrate the skin. In addition, they are used as preservatives to stabilize fragrances and help them last longer.
The main worry about these chemicals concerns their capacity as endocrine disruptors. The body's endocrine system is absolutely vital to the normal functioning of a variety of processes and any interference of it can have serious consequences. EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) are believed to negatively affect (among other things) infant development, the immune system and brain function.
Phthalates in particular are a variety of EDC known as xenoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen when they are ingested or absorbed. Scientists have voiced concern over these compounds for a number of years as evidence has continued to accumulate highlighting their negative effects. Among the health problems that have been linked to xenoestrogens are allergies, asthma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, obesity and infertility.
Although there is a lack of absolutely conclusive evidence regarding the harmfulness (or lack thereof) of phthalates, there is certainly enough data to cause concern. Animal studies have linked these compounds to anatomical abnormalities, low sperm count in male offspring and low birth weight. Human research is ongoing and more conclusive data will undoubtedly emerge in years to come.
At the current time, consumers who wish to avoid harmful compounds in their personal care purchases need to choose wisely. There are certainly a good variety of chemical-free goods now available, but making sure they are what they appear to be is not always straightforward. Some manufacturers are getting on the bandwagon and marketing products that are not as chemical-free as they would have us believe.
The packaging of these products may use the buzz words and terminology of natural personal care, but careful reading of the labeling will reveal their true colors. However, in the case of phthalates, determining their presence can be tricky since there is no mandatory labeling requirement. They can also be present in the product's fragrance even when they're not listed as ingredients. To be 100% sure, you may need to check the manufacturers website or contact them directly.
An additional complication stems from the containers that manufacturers use. These are often made from phthalate-containing plastic even if the product itself is free of them. Over time, phthalates will seep into whatever substance they are in close contact with and contaminate it. Conscientious manufacturers usually use phthalate-free packaging, but again, consumers may need to do some research to be 100% sure that what they're buying really is as non-toxic as it is claimed to be.
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