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Phthalates

What are phthalates and how are they used in the fourApril product line? Discover more about this ingredient and the details surrounding it’s origins below.

Female Pharmacist Testing Cream Scent in Laboratory

What are Phthalates?

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors that can negatively impact hormones & the reproductive system. Phthalates make plastics more flexible and less likely to break. Phthalates are also present in almost all fragranced items because they help fragrances last longer.

What are they found in?

You won’t discover phthalates on a label because businesses are not required to list the ingredients in their smells due to proprietary regulations. However, several everyday products contain phthalates like: cleaners, nail polish, dish soap, detergents, plastics, solvents, air fresheners, adhesives & more. There is a strong possibility that phthalates are included in a product if the word “fragrance” appears on the label. 

Who do Phthalates impact?

  • Exposure to phthalates can be from inhalation or skin contact. 
  • Unborn babies and children are among the most affected. Phthalates can do more harm to males.
  • Kids in puberty are also at risk. Times when our bodies are changing seem to leave us more vulnerable.
  • Adult women have more side effects than men, possibly because they use more personal care products. [1]
 

Are they safe?

  • “Research findings suggest that daily contact with phthalates may lead to the early deaths of about 100,000 older Americans a year. The study only suggests a link between phthalates and dying early. It doesn’t prove cause and effect.” [1]
  • “EPA is concerned about phthalates because of their toxicity and the evidence of pervasive human and environmental exposure to them.” [2]
  • The European Union has restrictions or outright bans on a number of phthalate kinds. 
  • As part of the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, two varieties — (DBP) dibutyl phthalate and (DEHP) diethylhexyl phthalate — will be prohibited in California starting in 2025.

What should I look for?

Stay away from scented or fragranced goods and keep in  mind many “unscented” products really include concealing fragrances. Avoid ingredients with acronyms like (DEHP), (DBP), (BBP), (DINP), (DiDP), and (DnOP). Select products with “phthalate-free” labeling.

Does fourApril use them?

We do not use phthalates in any of our products! fourApril created non-toxic, hypoallergenic cleaners so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones. The fourApril cleaners are created with Natural ingredients that are food grade or better.

Sources

[1] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/what-are-phthalates

[2] https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/phthalates_actionplan_revised_2012-03-14.pdf