Until recently, terms such as parabens, phthalates and sodium lauryl sulfate were known only to those working in the cosmetics industry. Now, increasing numbers of consumers are educating themselves about the potentially harmful chemicals that are used in personal care products. Pure, phthalate free skin care products, along with other 'free from' products, are now becoming a major force in the personal care market.
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.
Specifically, phthalates are what are known as xenoestrogens, a type of compound that when absorbed or ingested mimics the sex hormone estrogen. Scientists have expressed concern over these compounds for many years as research has linked them with a variety of serious health issues. Conditions that are possibly connected with xenoestrogens include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, allergies, asthma, infertility and obesity.
Although the evidence against EDCs is not yet absolutely conclusive, numerous studies have produced enough data to raise serious concern among experts. Animal research suggests there is a link between these chemicals and male infertility, anatomical abnormalities and low birth weight. A link between EDCs and the early onset of puberty in humans is being researched by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City.
In the meantime, consumers looking to avoid harmful additives have to apply some rigor to their buying decisions. Although there are vastly more chemical-free products to choose from these days, being sure that they truly are chemical-free is not necessarily straightforward. Some less scrupulous manufacturers are jumping on the 'free-from' bandwagon and marketing products that are less natural than they appear.
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.
Another complication arises from the fact that a product's container may contain phthalates even if the product itself does not. Since these compounds will over time leach into whatever is in close contact with them, even a supposedly phthalate-free product may be contaminated. A conscientious manufacturer will make sure that their packaging is non-toxic, but again, possibly the only way to be absolutely sure is to contact the company directly.
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.
Specifically, phthalates are what are known as xenoestrogens, a type of compound that when absorbed or ingested mimics the sex hormone estrogen. Scientists have expressed concern over these compounds for many years as research has linked them with a variety of serious health issues. Conditions that are possibly connected with xenoestrogens include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, allergies, asthma, infertility and obesity.
Although the evidence against EDCs is not yet absolutely conclusive, numerous studies have produced enough data to raise serious concern among experts. Animal research suggests there is a link between these chemicals and male infertility, anatomical abnormalities and low birth weight. A link between EDCs and the early onset of puberty in humans is being researched by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City.
In the meantime, consumers looking to avoid harmful additives have to apply some rigor to their buying decisions. Although there are vastly more chemical-free products to choose from these days, being sure that they truly are chemical-free is not necessarily straightforward. Some less scrupulous manufacturers are jumping on the 'free-from' bandwagon and marketing products that are less natural than they appear.
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.
Another complication arises from the fact that a product's container may contain phthalates even if the product itself does not. Since these compounds will over time leach into whatever is in close contact with them, even a supposedly phthalate-free product may be contaminated. A conscientious manufacturer will make sure that their packaging is non-toxic, but again, possibly the only way to be absolutely sure is to contact the company directly.
About the Author:
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