PHTHALATES

INVISIBLE OVERLOAD > PHTHALATES

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Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are a group of man-made chemical plasticizers used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. They’re also used as solvents (carriers for fragrance and other substances) in hundreds of consumer products.

Phthalates are classified as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with your body’s hormones. They’ve been linked to:

Hormonal disruption: lower testosterone, fertility issues in men and women
Developmental problems: especially concerning during pregnancy and early childhood
Metabolic effects: linked to obesity and insulin resistance
Respiratory problems: linked to asthma and allergies
Increased risk of chronic disease: potential contributors to breast cancer, thyroid dysfunction, and more

Fresh Scented Laundry

Is there a downside?

It turns out there is. Phthalates are used in fragrances to help scents last longer and adhere to the skin, hair, and clothes. They help dissolve and stabilize other ingredients in fragrances. Phthalates can be inhaled through vapors and once inhaled, these chemicals can enter the bloodstream through the lungs, bypassing the digestive system’s detoxification process.

Can Moisturizers Make You Look Older?

It turns out they can. Phthalates can disrupt the skin barrier and potentially make it more permeable to other harmful chemicals. As endocrine disruptors, they may contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can accelerate skin aging.

Phthalates are a common ingredient in many daily beauty products.

Parabens

The Controversial Preservative Hiding in Your Daily Routine

Phthalates

The Plastic Additive That’s Everywhere—And Why It Matters

Check the Ingredients

Many companies sell cleaner, less processed foods in Europe while using artificial additives and preservatives in their U.S. versions.

Europe’s Smarter Safety Rules

Unlike the U.S., the EU considers the combined effects of multiple chemicals, recognizing that exposure to mixtures can be more harmful than single substances alone.