PHTHALATES

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Plasticizer
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Cosmetics, makeup, hair spray, nail polish, lotion, deodorants, body washes and baby products

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PHTHALATES?

Phthalates make ingredients more soluble, allowing them to mix more effectively, particularly in oily liquids.

WHAT ARE PHTHALATES?

Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds that enhance the solubility of ingredients in cosmetic products. They are colorless and odorless, often used to help ingredients mix more uniformly in oily formulations.

ARE PHTHALATES SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

None

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None

Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates-cosmetics

Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, FAAD

Author

Shilpi Khetarpal, MD is an ASDS fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologist who is an associate professor in dermatology and the Director of Laser & Cosmetic Dermatology at Cleveland Clinic. She did her dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic and an ASDS fellowship in Moh’s micrographic surgery, lasers and cosmetic surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, MA. She has presented at both local and national professional meetings and has authored numerous book chapters in dermatologic textbooks including editing a book on Platelet Rich Plasma and published many articles in peer-reviewed journals. She is actively involved in numerous organizations including the Women’s Dermatologic Society, American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons, Ohio Dermatological Association, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.