The Everyday Harm of Plastics – And How To Protect Yourself From It

You can’t see, smell, or taste them, but they’re everywhere. They are in hundreds of the products you use every day. They’re in the food you eat. They are even found in your body.

What are we talking about? Phthalates. Also known as “the everywhere chemicals”.

In household goods, phthalates are often used as plasticizers – they make plastics softer, more flexible, and transparent. When it comes to phthalates in cosmetics, personal products, and household cleaners, phthalates are typically used to bind ingredients together and help fragrances last longer. Yikes. So…  this chemical is so dangerous, why are they in so many of our everyday products? This is a question we are sure many people who want to be healthy  want the answer to.

There’s been a lot of conversation regarding the potential health risks of phthalates. Do you know what this chemical does to your body? Exposure leads to asthma, behavioral issues, breast cancer, early-onset puberty, male fertility issues, obesity and insulin resistance, and reproductive development problems. 

If that wasn’t enough, a recent CNN article reported that this synthetic chemical, found in hundreds of consumer products such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume, and children’s toys, may contribute to some 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths a year among people ages 55 to 64 in the United States.¹ 

How does Phthalate exposure occur?

Exposure to phthalates can happen in one of several ways:

1. The most common way you are exposed is by consuming food and beverages stored in containers that use phthalates. 
2. You can also breathe in air that contains phthalates particles and vapors released from household furnishings, sprays, and cleaners. 
3. Skin absorption can occur via phthalates in shampoo, soaps, lotions, and other personal care products. Your skin is your largest organ, and whatever you are putting onto your skin is getting absorbed into your body. 

What can you do about this issue and how can you protect yourself?

Well, if your health and wellbeing is important to you, choose 100% all natural, chemical free and waterfree femcare and cosmetic products that do not disrupt your body’s natural flow. Because products that are not 100% all natural, chemical free and water free will ALWAYS contain bad chemicals like phthalates. 

Looking for a place to start?

All of our skincare and femcare products are created with your safety and comfort in mind – without the questionable ingredients. Shop our 100% all natural, chemical free, and water free products. 

Want to learn more?

Sign up here to get access to our Dirty Ingredients Guide.

References

LaMotte, Sandee. “Synthetic Chemical in Consumer Products Linked to Early Death, Study Finds.” CNN, Cable News Network, 12 Oct. 2021, https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/12/health/plastic-chemical-early-death-wellness/index.html.