SEVERE — -15 pts

Phthalates

Flags: S-R06

Also known as: Diethyl phthalate, DEP, Dibutyl phthalate, DBP, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, DEHP

Kids Sunscreen & Skincare

What it is

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as plasticizers and as solvents in fragrances and personal care products. In skincare, they help products adhere to skin and carry fragrance. They are often hidden under the 'fragrance' label and not individually disclosed.

SEVERE

Phthalates are established endocrine disruptors with anti-androgenic effects. Several phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP) are banned in children's toys under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) due to reproductive toxicity. They are absorbed through skin and detected in virtually all Americans tested.

Why it matters

Endocrine disruption: anti-androgenic effects disrupting male reproductive development
Banned in children's toys (CPSIA) but still permitted in products applied to children's skin
Reproductive and developmental toxicity in animal studies
Associated with preterm birth, lower IQ, and behavioral problems in epidemiological studies
Ubiquitous exposure: detected in urine of 97%+ of Americans tested

The research

Food Additives and Child Health (AAP Policy Statement)

Trasande L, Shaffer RM, Sathyanarayana S. Pediatrics, 2018. 142(2):e20181408 PMID: 30037975 [Source]

"AAP identified phthalates as a priority concern for child health, documenting endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, and neurodevelopmental impacts"

Phthalate Exposure and Children's Health

Braun JM, Sathyanarayana S, Hauser R. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 2013. 25(2):247-254 PMID: 23429708 [Source]

"Comprehensive review establishing associations between phthalate exposure in children and allergies, asthma, altered reproductive development, and neurobehavioral outcomes"

Who should care most

All children, particularly boys (anti-androgenic effects affect male reproductive development). Infants and toddlers with higher skin surface area to body weight ratio. Prenatal exposure through maternal use of phthalate-containing products.

How other countries handle it

Country	Status
United States	Banned in children's toys and childcare articles (CPSIA 2008). NOT banned in cosmetics or personal care products applied to children's skin.
European Union	Several phthalates banned in cosmetics (DEHP, DBP, BBP). 'Fragrance' containing phthalates must disclose.
Canada	Restricted in children's toys. Cosmetics regulations under review.
Australia	Restricted in children's toys.

Sources

Food Additives and Child Health (AAP Policy Statement). Trasande L, Shaffer RM, Sathyanarayana S. Pediatrics, 2018. 142(2):e20181408. PubMed 30037975
Phthalate Exposure and Children's Health. Braun JM, Sathyanarayana S, Hauser R. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 2013. 25(2):247-254. PubMed 23429708

For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Consult your pediatrician. Data current as of March 24, 2026.