A new study explores the relationship between beauty care products and higher levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates in young children aged 4 to 8. Previous research confirmed that the use of phthalate-containing products like lotions and hair oils is dangerous for pregnant women. However, the window for hormone disruption now appears to be more significant. Researchers are concerned that key developmental processes may be impacted. As is the case in many U.S. health concerns, race is a factor.
What are Phthalates?
Let’s take it back to basics first. Phthalates are a chemical compound developed to help make plastics more durable. According to the FDA, the main phthalates used in cosmetic products are dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP). These phthalates are primarily used at concentrations of less than 10 percent, often appearing as plasticizers in nail polishes and hairsprays. But they can appear in a wide range of care products. In the past, many have questioned where we get phthalates from. Phthalates can appear anywhere in a product or food that has had contact with plastics during manufacturing, packaging and delivery.
Are Phthalates a Cause for Concern?
For the past few years, we’ve been aware of these chemicals’ potential impact on pregnant women and developing babies. “Phthalates can be worse than the other (cosmetic ingredients) because they are easily absorbed through the skin and can damage many organs (liver, lungs) as well as affect the endocrine system, so pregnant women should avoid,” says Washington, DC, dermatologist Tina Alster, MD.
Phthalates don’t last that long inside our bodies, but chronic exposure presents more of an issue. The evidence that phthalates cause hormone disruption is not concrete, explains Michael Bloom, professor at George Mason University and co-author of the new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives. But it is growing.
“And this is why we have great concern, especially among these very young children whose brains are still very actively developing,” Bloom says.
How Does Race Factor in?
According to the study, levels of phthalates varied by race. Overall, Black children had the highest levels of phthalates. Higher levels in Hispanic, Pacific Islander and Asian children were associated with using hair oils. On the other hand, body lotion appeared to be the most significant culprit in white children with higher phthalate levels.
This study couldn’t determine why those differences existed but notes that “the results can inform future studies to disentangle components of structural racism as a mechanism that is likely to drive differences.”
Keeping Kids Healthy
So, what’s the takeaway? Phthalates are in many places in our environment, and there is reasonable cause for concern. There is a growing consensus that these chemicals impact our development. And when they show up in our beauty and care products, they can be absorbed into our skin. Pregnant women are already discouraged from using products with phthalates. This study suggests that we should extend that recommendation to young children.
Thankfully, these days, many personal care products advertise when they’re phthalate-free. Here at NewBeauty, we’re huge fans of methods like YUKA (a free app) and Beautypedia to check the ingredients on any product.