Phthalate-Free Skincare and Hormonal Health: What You Need to Know
This is sadly an all-too-common experience: You think you’re using clean skincare, and then, after a bit of digging and searching for what’s on the back of the label, you find out it’s full of questionable inclusions.
It’s super frustrating: You’re doing your best to stay clean (reading labels and avoiding the obvious harmful chemicals, but you’re not a chemist, so of course, it’s not always simple to work out).
One of the big issues is that phthalates are hidden in ingredient lists. They’re often disguised under the term “fragrance”, which makes it nearly impossible to know what you’re putting on your skin.
Why does this matter? They cause hormonal imbalances. And that can seriously mess with skin health, mood, reproductive health, etc.
If you’re facing breakouts, unpredictable cycles, or just feeling off, take a second look at what’s in your skincare.
How do you know what’s actually safe and what’s just clever marketing?
We’ll break it down for you. Read on so you can stay clean, stop second-guessing your skincare, and start using products that support your health without hidden risks.
What Are Phthalates?
Phthalates are synthetic chemicals in skincare, cosmetics, and personal care products. They keep formulas smooth and make fragrances last longer.
You’ll find them in perfumes, lotions, hair products, etc.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) in scents and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) in sprays are the most commonly used phthalates you’ll find in products.
How Phthalates Disrupt Your Hormones
Phthalates interfere with hormonal balance by mimicking estrogen and other hormones. That throws off the body’s natural regulation and disrupts mood and metabolism.
If there are excessive phthalates, you’ll be left dealing with mood swings, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Research shows altered hormone levels, increased risks of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and reduced testosterone in men are all linked with phthalate exposure.
Pregnant individuals, children, and teenagers also face a lot of risk. As their hormonal systems are still developing, exposure during critical growth periods means long-term effects.
One study shows that prenatal phthalate exposure causes lower mental and motor development scores in 6-month-old infants.
Meanwhile, research on teenagers suggests associations between higher phthalate levels and early puberty, which can increase the risk of hormone-related health issues later in life.
The solution? Switching to phthalate-free skincare is the easiest way to cut down exposure.
Zoi Teli’a’s skincare products are made without these hormone disruptors because clean skincare shouldn’t come with such huge risks. Make the swap to look after your skin and your long-term health at the same time.
The Hidden Environmental Impact of Phthalates
Even products labeled “natural” or “organic” can still contain phthalates (especially when you’re buying from a brand that doesn’t really care for your health more than its bottom line).
Here’s what you need to do to make safer choices and keep unnecessary chemicals off your skin:
Read Labels Carefully
If a product doesn’t specify what’s in its fragrance, it’s probably hiding something.
Or just stick with brands that are upfront about what they use. Look for “phthalate-free” or brands that fully list their ingredients when buying.
Choose Clean Beauty Brands
Some brands really do care for their customers’ well-being and cut out phthalates and other unnecessary additives. You just need to look for such brands.
Zoi Teli’a’s products, like the Sensitive Skin Face Wash, skip phthalates and keep your skin calm and fresh.
Know exactly what’s going on in your skin without needing to scrutinize every ingredient (that’s what clean beauty means).
Go Fragrance-Free
If you have sensitive skin, artificial fragrances aren’t going to do you any favors. Phthalates make scents last longer (that’s why they’re in there).
So, it’s advised to avoid heavily fragranced products to lower exposure. But if you do love a scent, look for products that use natural essential oils instead.
DIY Skincare
Mix up simple ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and oats into cleansers, masks, and scrubs.
Just swap out a few store-bought products for homemade alternatives to cut down on exposure to hidden additives.
Wrapping Up: Phthalate-Free Skincare
Switch to phthalate-free skincare to choose what’s really best for your body long-term.
Small changes you make in your skincare will add up, and you’ll be doing your skin and the planet a solid favor.