Phthalates, pronounced (tha-late), is something we’ve been warned to avoid but what really are “phthalates”? They are synthetic chemicals that allows scent in a product to linger … and linger. Does that “Fresh Scent” last for days? Thank phthalates.
So what’s the harm? We like our scents to linger.
Unfortunately, phthalates have been linked to birth defects, allergies, asthma and breast cancer. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and EWG (Environmental Working Group) have both warned against use of this controversial chemical. You don’t normally see them on the labels of even the most offensive products so how can you avoid them? Sadly, phthalates aren’t required to be listed on consumer product labels and are most likely a component of the synthetic fragrances used in products. If you see the word ‘fragrance’, or ‘perfume’ on your label, there is a high likelihood that they are in there though.
The research is controversial and, there is a lot of debate on the topic. At Perfectly Natural Soap®, we have read the research for both arguments and are not convinced that they are safe. And if we’re not sure, we are going to err on the side of caution and we are not going to use them in products made for our family … or yours.