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 In this section:

                Cosmetic Ingredients

Cosmetic Ingredients

                        Allergens in Cosmetics
          Alpha Hydroxy Acids
          Beta Hydroxy Acids
          Diethanolamine
          Fragrances in Cosmetics
          Latex in Cosmetics
          Parabens in Cosmetics
          Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Cosmetics
          Phthalates in Cosmetics
          Talc Home
          Cosmetics
          Cosmetic Products & Ingredients
          Cosmetic Ingredients
          Phthalates in CosmeticsCosmetic Ingredients Phthalates in Cosmetics
  
  	
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    PrintPhthalates are used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products. Phthalates are chemical compounds developed in the last century that are used to make plastics more durable. These colorless, odorless, oily liquids also referred to as “plasticizers” based on their most common uses. They do not evaporate easily and do not permanently bind to plastic surfaces to which they are applied. Phthalates also function as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes and other fragrance preparations. Cosmetics that may contain phthalates include nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, cleansers, and shampoos.

How to Know if Phthalates are in the Cosmetics You Use

Historically, the primary phthalates used in cosmetic products have been **dibutylphthalate (DBP)**, used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes (to reduce cracking by making them less brittle); **dimethylphthalate (DMP)**, used in hair sprays (to help avoid stiffness by allowing them to form a flexible film on the hair); and **diethylphthalate (DEP)**, used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances. According to the FDA's latest survey of cosmetics, conducted in 2010, however, DBP and DMP are used rarely. DEP appears to be the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetics.

Under the authority of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), the FDA requires an ingredient declaration on cosmetic products sold at the retail level to consumers. Consumers can tell whether some products contain phthalates by reading the ingredient declaration on the labels of such products.

However, the regulations do not require the listing of the individual fragrance or flavor, or their specific ingredients. Fragrance or flavor may be listed as such. As a result, a consumer may not be able to determine from the ingredient declaration on the label if phthalates are present in a fragrance or a flavor used in the product. Based on currently available safety information, the FDA does not have safety concerns with the use of DEP as currently used in cosmetics and fragrances. Consumers who nevertheless do not want to purchase cosmetics containing DEP may wish to choose products that do not include "Fragrance" or “Flavor” in the ingredient declaration.

Possible Health Effects of Phthalates in Cosmetics

The FDA considers all available scientific literature on the safety of phthalates in cosmetics published by the scientific community.

In 2002, the **Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel**, an industry-sponsored organization that reviews cosmetic ingredient safety and publishes its results in open, peer-reviewed literature, reaffirmed its original conclusion (reached in 1985), finding that DBP, DMP, and DEP were safe as used in cosmetic products. (See “Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments 2002/2003,” *International Journal of Toxicology (Supplement 1)*, 1-102, 2005.) Looking at maximum known concentrations of these ingredients in cosmetics, the panel evaluated phthalate exposure and toxicity data, and conducted a safety assessment for DBP in cosmetic products. The panel found that levels of exposures to phthalates from cosmetics were low compared to levels that may cause adverse effects in animals.

The **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report** on March 21, 2001, titled "National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals." The report described a survey of a small segment of the U.S. population for environmental chemicals in urine to learn more about the extent of human exposure to industrial chemicals. One group of chemicals surveyed was phthalates. While the CDC report noted elevated levels of phthalates excreted by women of child-bearing age, neither this report nor the other data reviewed by the FDA established an association between the use of phthalates in cosmetic products and a health risk. Based on this information, the FDA determined that there wasn’t a sound, scientific basis to support taking regulatory action against cosmetics containing phthalates.

An expert **panel convened by the National Toxicology Program**, part of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, from 1998 to 2000, concluded that reproductive risks from exposure to phthalates were minimal.

As the FDA continues to follow the ongoing scientific discussions, we will consider additional actions as needed.

The FDA's Role in Regulating Phthalates in Cosmetics

Under the law, cosmetic products and ingredients, with the exception of color additives, are not subject to FDA approval before they go on the market. Cosmetics must be safe under the labeled or customary conditions of use, and the FDA can take action against cosmetics on the market that do not comply with the law.

At the present time, the FDA does not have evidence that phthalates as used in cosmetics pose a safety risk. If we determine that a health hazard exists, we will advise the industry and the public, and will take action to protect consumers within the scope of our authority under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. For related information, see FDA Authority Over Cosmetics.

The FDA’s Continued Evaluation of Phthalates in Cosmetics

The FDA continues to monitor levels of phthalates in cosmetic products. We have developed an analytical method for determining the levels of phthalates in a survey of marketed cosmetic products.

The FDA published this analytical method and results of our 2004 survey in the article, “Analysis of Consumer Cosmetic Products for Phthalate Esters,” (J.C. Hubinger and D.C. Havery, *Journal of Cosmetic Science*, 2006, vol. 57, pp. 127-137). We conducted a second survey in 2006. Results were published in the article, “A Survey of Phthalate Esters in Consumer Cosmetic Products," (PDF 488 KB) (J.C. Hubinger, *Journal of Cosmetic Science*, 2010, vol. 61, no. 6, pp. 457-465). Results of a third survey, concluded in 2010, are shown below in the table, 2010 Survey of Cosmetics for Phthalate Content. We learned from these surveys that use of phthalates in cosmetics decreased considerably from 2004 to 2010.

Infant Exposure to Phthalates in Personal Care Products****

Infants, like all consumers, are exposed daily to phthalates from a number of sources, including air, drugs, food (including breast milk), plastics, water, and cosmetics. The American Academy of Pediatrics published an article stating that infants exposed to infant care products, specifically baby shampoos, baby lotions, and baby powder, showed increased levels of phthalate metabolites in their urine (see “Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure,” S. Sathyanarayana, *Pediatrics*, 2008, vol. 121, pp. 260-268). This biomonitoring study was not designed to establish an association between these findings and any adverse health effects. In addition, levels of phthalates, if any, in the infant care products were not determined in this study.

In its survey that was completed in 2006, the FDA included 24 children’s products intended for infants and children, and included nearly 50 products for infants and children in the survey we completed in 2010. We learned that the use of phthalates in cosmetics intended for people of all ages, including infants and children, has decreased considerably since our surveys began in 2004.

Results of the FDA's 2010 Survey of Cosmetics for Phthalate Content

The products listed below represent a sample of cosmetics on the market at the time the survey was conducted, and products may have been reformulated since then. This survey was intended to monitor trends in the use of phthalates in cosmetics, not as a comprehensive analysis of all cosmetics on the market. The law does not require cosmetic firms to file their formulations with the FDA. Also, please note that some so-called "personal care products," such as diaper creams and nipple creams, are regulated as drugs, or in some cases both cosmetics and drugs. (See "Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?)")

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**2010 Survey of Cosmetics for Phthalate Content**

Product Type
			Brand
			Lot #
			Phthalates (ppm)DMP
			DEP
			DBPNail Polish
			Pure Ice - Spit Fire
			991CPDora the Explorer Mega Nail Polish Kit - Townley
			WO90817Scherer Nail Polish CQ #143 Cabernet
			Not visibleRimmel Lycra Wear 10 Days Nail Polish #303 Vintage
			732318In a New York Color Minute 224B
			8MBCKSally Hansen Diamond Strength #45 Fuchsia
			8MSHKHard Candy Just Nails (Glitter)
			9226Petites Pink Crush 270 – CQ
			Not visibleRevlon Nail Enamel Red Hot Tamale 908
			Not visibleMaybelline Express Finish Grape Times 608
			WF224Nicole by OPI Razzle Dazzler
			09295AAGScherer Nail Polish CQ #107 Crystal Clear
			Not visibleLA Colors Nail Lacquer Red Stilettos CBLQ 389
			Not visibleLA Colors Art Deco Polish Silver Glitter CBNA 502
			Not visibleLA Colors Nail Hardener-Strengthener
			9796Hot Topic Nail Polish Black
			Not visibleHot Topic Nail Polish Green
			Not visibleHot Topic Nail Polish Purple
			Not visibleHot Topic Nail Polish (Skull) Green
			Not visible
			
			
			4,800Hot Topic Nail Polish (Skull) Black
			Not visible
			
			
			4.4Hot Topic Nail Polish (Skull) Yellow
			Not visible
			
			
			4Simple Pleasures Nail Polish "Peace" (Glitter)
			Not visibleSimple Pleasures Nail Polish "Love" (Pink)
			Not visibleWetnWild Wild Shine 410A
			918201Sinful Colors Professional Nail Polish Enamel Pinky Glitter 830
			Not visibleSinful Colors Under 18
			Not visibleBorghese Nail Lacquer Vernis Botticelli Nude
			6KXJKC
			
			
			3.4Sally Hansen High Definition 04 (Green)
			9MHYKCover Girl Boundless Base Coat Nail Color Red Revolution 553
			7239HVCover Girl Boundless Base Coat Nail Color Gold Rush 415
			9139HVSally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Hot Magenta 03
			6MTXKSally Hansen Salon Lacquer Nail Polish Orange You Cute? 450
			8JFDK
			
			
			6.6Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Rose-a-go-go 06
			AKVDKNSally Hansen Diamond Strength 33 Champagne Toast
			8M8OKAvon Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel Polish Midnight Plum
			VEK19Skin Cream and Lotion
			Red Velvet Body Lotion - Gift Pack
			H8920109Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash with NutrimMoisture
			10079PP23SEucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Crème with Dry Skin Therapy
			90125515Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion
			1129LKVaseline Sheer Infusion Vitamin Burst Body Lotion
			08149UM42Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated Cream
			N9215AJergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer
			Y225106ZZAPonds Dry Skin Cream
			08289HU87Dollar General Guarantee Skin Rescue Moisture Lock Lotion
			C9A129Noxzema The Original Deep Cleansing Cream with Eucalyptus Oil
			Rubbed outSuave Powder Fresh Body Lotion
			10289JU41Celine Dion Sensational Shimmering Body Lotion
			92251Scentsations by Body Source Cherry Blossom Body Lotion
			M9290AL18Walgreens Advanced Care (Fragrance Free)
			0401609Curel Continuous Comfort Original Formula Moisturizer
			X140106ZZALubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion, Normal to Dry Skin, Fragrance Free
			0118CNivea Soft Refreshingly Soft Moisturizing Crème
			73729160
			
			100Bath, Body, etc... Organic Soothing Aloe Vera Body Lotion
			29473
			
			260J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary Hand & Body Lotion
			0374579Jergens Original Scent Cherry-Almond Moisturizer
			W106125ZZ
			
			110Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil
			Rubbed outSt. Ives Hydrating Vitamin E Advanced Body Moisturizer
			09327021103Vaseline for Men Hand Lotion
			05279HU09Corn Huskers Heavy Duty Oil-Free Hand Treatment Lotion
			2969GMalibu Hemp Moisturizer Body Lotion for Dry Skin
			5434Keri Original Dry Skin Lotion
			23654901Avon Haiku Perfumed Skin Softener
			MK091Avon Jet Femme Body Lotion
			MLP81Avon Candid Perfumed Skin Softener
			MAN91Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive Extra Strength Cream
			MIV91Fragrance
			Dove Go Fresh Body Mist
			090495U49Jovan Island Gardenia Cologne Spray
			9218
			
			14,000Love’s Baby Soft Cologne Spray
			0906D48A Little Sexy Body Spray by Parfums de Coeur
			09324Axe Instinct Body Spray
			03119KK09Curve Crush Body Mist
			9JA02Bodycology Sweet Petals Body Mist
			S9J27AKCotton Candy Body Spray Prince Matchabelli
			09267Degree Classic Romance Body Mist
			4068Hannah Montana Cologne Spray
			3169YWanna Play Body Spray Parfums de Coeur
			09294
			
			3,800Chantilly - Walmart Gift Pack
			090723A
			
			7,300Tabu - Walmart Gift Pack
			090721A
			
			6,200Heaven Sent - Walmart Gift Pack
			090622B
			
			1,300Navy - Walmart Gift Pack
			090722C
			
			40,000English Leather - Walmart Gift Pack
			090721A
			
			3,900British Sterling - Walmart Gift Pack
			090526A
			
			480Canoe - Walmart Gift Pack
			0907248
			
			2,000English Leather Black - Walmart Gift Pack
			0907916Johnson's Baby Cologne
			1919COB128135Barbasol After Shave Pacific Rush
			60161Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue
			R09K174
			
			760Tattooed by Inky
			Not visibleBOD Really Ripped Abs
			8TZ60
			
			6,200i Carly
			168961BBaby Cream and Lotion
			Johnson's Baby Lotion
			2519TDollar General Sleepy Time Baby Lotion
			8KF1025Baby Avalon Organics Protective A,D & E Ointment
			6H01Huggies Naturally Refreshing (Green Tea & Cucumber) Lotion
			CU6287282Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion
			9237Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion
			0850801Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream
			0209DParent's Choice Baby Lotion
			0034311Johnson's Bedtime Lotion
			1759GJohnson's Head-to-Toe Fragrance Free Baby Lotion
			0049LKJohnson's Shea and Cocoa Butter Baby Cream
			0069VBSusan Brown's Baby Sensitive Baby Lotion-to-powder
			10577ACalifornia Baby Calming Everyday Lotion
			CB9303A2Deodorant
			Brut 24-Hour Protection deodorant
			11029TR53
			
			22Tom's of Maine Natural Care Lavender Deodorant Stick
			LD1370Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant
			9307TNAxe Fresh Action Essence Deodorant
			08129UR16Degree Men Deodorant Silver Ion Intense Sport
			11209UR39
			2.9Speed Stick Ocean Surf Deodorant
			9270502Personal Care Clear Stick Deodorant
			08123AKiss My Face Active Enzyme Lavender Deodorant
			KO73008BDove Powder Invisible Solid
			09229UR86Secret Powder Fresh
			9068TN
			
			34Hair Products
			Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee Firm Hold
			C8200Garnier Fructis Style Body Boost Volumizing Gel
			48F6030TRESemmé No Frizz Shine Spray
			09308TA20SDSIL2506
			
			22Suave Professionals Styling Foam Extra Hold
			11129KK61
			
			52Rave 4X Mega Unscented Hair Spray
			11199HU63
			
			16White Rain Unscented Extra Hold Hair Spray
			287CP3475403SDSIL15001
			
			61Short Sexy Hair Quick Change Shaping Balm
			09219American Crew Forming Cream
			F952CIOC
			
			50Dep Sport Endurance Styling Gel
			R2029932A2
			
			6.8TRESemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray
			09313AA1416
			
			37John Frieda Collection Frizz-Ease Mousse
			Y223DK17DDT2QAussi Catch the Wave Mousse & Conditioner
			92755398FCatwalk Extra Strong Mousse
			233748783122142
			
			23Johnson's No More Tangles Detangling Spray
			0489VAManic Panic Amplified Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream
			10922Color Fiend Blood Red Temporary Comb-In Color
			RN0709Color Fiend Pink Pop Water Based Semi-Permanent Hair Color
			Not visibleShampoo
			Johnson's Baby Shampoo
			2118TSuave Kids 2 in 1 Shampoo Smoothers Cowabunga Coconut
			081491J18Ave Dual 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner
			01139TJ27
			
			17Pantene Pro-v Moisture Renewal Hydration Quotidienne Shampoo
			93005401E1Aveeno Baby Essential Moisture Shampoo
			0099VABig Sexy Hair Big Volume Shampoo
			09205150
			
			210Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo Color Shield
			EF036Dove Intense Damage Therapy Shampoo
			08299JU39VO5 Normal Balancing Shampoo
			09316020758
			
			440Suave Professionals Sleek Shampoo
			07109JU41Finesse Self Adjusting Moisturizing Shampoo
			9234MHerbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo
			93145395LFTRESemmé Smooth and Silky Touchable Softness
			09231C1130Advance Techniques Color Reviving Shampoo
			MK191
			
			82Avon High School Musical Raspberry Roarin’ 2-in-1 Shampoo
			MKW91Body Wash
			Caress Daily Silk Silkening Body Wash
			10159UR022010Equate Tropical Fresh Body Wash with Exfoliating Pomegranate Seed
			A50298-9328C1Caress Tahitian Renewal Silkening Body Wash
			08069TJ37Olay Body Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter Body Wash
			92595395WASuave Naturals Cucumber Melon Rejuvenating Body Wash
			11109J038Suave Men Body Wash Active Sport
			09169CU05
			
			10White Rain All Day Moisturizing Body Wash
			093203Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Body Wash
			03049PP05Natural Concepts Sensitive Skin Body Wash
			A48292926583
			
			340Dial Clean and Soft Moisturizing Body Wash
			Q89M0310806091102St. Ives Renewing Collagen Elastin Moisturizing Body Wash
			09345181020141Natural Concepts Natural Blends Body Wash Violet & Pea
			A40128-8353C1Avon Naturals Strawberry & Guava Shower Gel
			Rubbed outAvon Bubble Bath Bain-mousse Vanilla Cream for Dry Skin
			MLK91High School Musical Strawberry Sudsin’ Body Wash
			MLC91Nipple Cream
			Lansinoh HPA Lanolin for Breastfeeding Mothers
			39982Gerber Breast Therapy Moisturizing Balm
			BK07A02UUChildren's Makeup
			Kiss Me 2 Gift Pack Blush - MarkwinsKiss Me 2 Gift Pack Eye Shadow - Markwins
			1090075Hard Candy in the Shadows Eye Shadow Collection
			9260Claire's Cosmetics Eye Shadow
			11/09Claire's Cosmetics Eye Glitter
			DR911333Diaper Cream
			Butt Butter Organics Herbal Diaper Rash Treatment
			31823Burts Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment
			1070801Baby’s Bliss Diaper Cream
			1386
			
			130Lavera Baby & Kinder Neutral
			2897Weleda Baby Calendula Baby Cream
			902212Wet Wipes
			Pull-ups Flushable Moist Wipes
			MK929202AEquate Flushable Wipes All Purpose
			09295D209651416Pure'n Gentle Fragrance Free Wipes
			09272C230400512Huggies Soft Skin Baby Wipes
			MK914804AMy Fair Baby Baby Wipes
			38091679169Infant Soap, Shampoo, Body Wash
			Johnson's Head to Toe Baby Wash
			Rubbed outBody Sense Baby Wash with Shea & Cocoa butter
			OU28781My Fair Baby Baby Wash with Camomile
			608015001/A2
			
			60Burts Bees Baby Bees Shampoo and Wash
			2280801Avon Bubble Bath Bain-mousse for Kids
			MKY91Aubrey Organics - Natural Baby & Kids Bath Soap
			11249Baby Oil
			Johnson's Baby Oil
			2339GEquate Delicate Baby Oil
			0031646Burt's Bees Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil
			0460801Face & Body Paint
			Claire's Cosmetics Body Glitter
			07/09Claire's Cosmetics Vanilla Glitter Body Mist
			0929301
			
			390Alex Face Paint Studio - Face Paint
			9012LPSnazaroo Face Painting Kit
			T190803Glitter Gel
			Hard Candy Glitteratzi Eye Glitter Gel
			9301Claire's Club Scented Body Glitter
			4926
			
			167Alex Face Paint Studio - Pink Glitter Gel
			9B2351Baby Powder
			Johnson's Baby Powder
			2528RABody Sense Baby Powder
			9DG0797Burt's Bees Baby Bee Dusting Powder
			Not visible

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                                                                                  Content current as of:
      05/19/2022
              
              
Regulated Product(s)
		 CosmeticsCosmetic Ingredients

          
                        Allergens in Cosmetics
          Alpha Hydroxy Acids
          Beta Hydroxy Acids
          Diethanolamine
          Fragrances in Cosmetics
          Latex in Cosmetics
          Parabens in Cosmetics
          Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Cosmetics
          Phthalates in Cosmetics
          Talc
 
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