What Is It?

Phthalates are a family of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable.[3] They also serve as solvents and stabilizers in personal care products.[1] Different phthalates perform different functions across plastic and fragrance formulations. On ingredient labels, they may appear under names such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), or diethyl phthalate (DEP), and are also used in some fragrance formulations.[1]

Why It Matters

Their widespread use creates repeated opportunities for exposure through products used, handled, and consumed every day. Although the body metabolizes phthalates relatively quickly,[4] near-constant contact remains a concern. Research links phthalate exposure to endocrine disruption,[2][3] preterm birth,[5] obesity,[8][9] respiratory problems,[7][8] reproductive harm,[1][10][11][12][13] and certain cancers.[14][15][16] Pregnant people and children are of particular concern because exposure can occur during critical stages of growth and development.

Where It’s Found

Phthalates are found in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, plastic food packaging and containers, some medical devices and extended-release medications, air fresheners, tampons, cosmetics, and fragranced personal care products.[1] Ingredient labels may identify a specific phthalate, but products that list only “fragrance” or “parfum” may not disclose every component of the fragrance formulation.

Found In

Fragrances and parfums
PVC products
Plastic food packaging and containers
Some medical devices and medications
Tampons
Air fresheners
Cosmetics

The Health Concern

Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems by mimicking or blocking natural hormones.[2][3] Phthalate monoesters have an approximate 12-hour half-life,[4] but the chemicals’ widespread use creates ongoing opportunities for exposure.

Research has linked prenatal phthalate exposure to preterm birth.[5] Children are also a population of concern because of their smaller size and critical stages of development. Epidemiological studies have associated phthalate exposure with early-onset puberty,[7] obesity,[8][9] respiratory problems, and asthma in children.[7][8]

In adults, phthalate exposure has been linked to reproductive toxicity.[1] Research has identified several possible mechanisms, including interference with hormone release, receptors, cellular signaling, and gene expression.[10] Studies have also associated exposure with reduced male fertility, lower sperm quality, and DNA damage in sperm.[11][12][13] These findings add to concern about chronic, consistent exposure across multiple sources. Certain phthalates, including dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have also been linked to increased cancer risk in humans.[15][16]

Research on phthalates spans prenatal development, childhood health, reproductive effects, and cancer. Individual studies address different chemicals and populations, but together they support concern about repeated exposure across many sources rather than a single product. Because phthalates can be present in plastics, packaging, fragrance, cosmetics, and other daily-use goods, reducing exposure requires attention to both ingredient labels and product materials.

How to Avoid It

To reduce exposure, consumers can choose products labeled “phthalate-free” and check ingredient lists for names containing the suffix “-phthalate,” including dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), and diisononyl phthalate (DINP).

Products that list only “fragrance” or “parfum” may contain undisclosed ingredients, including phthalates.[1] Fragrance-free products or scented products with full ingredient disclosure offer more transparency. Plastic food containers and kitchenware can be replaced with glass or stainless steel, and choosing whole foods can reduce contact with plastic packaging.

Period products that fully disclose their materials provide another way to avoid phthalate-containing plastics.

Choosing fewer fragranced products where scent is not essential can further reduce potential exposure.