It's hard to go a day without coming into contact with them, without wanting to, without even knowing it... They are phthalates. Who are they? Where are they found? What are the risks to our health? Explanations...
What are phthalates?
Let's start with a quick chemistry lesson! Phthalates are a group of chemicals derived from phthalic acid. Liquid and highly volatile, they are viscous, transparent, colorless, and have little or no odor. Used for over 50 years, phthalates have two main uses: they soften plastics and stabilize perfumes. Their annual production currently exceeds 3 million tons...
Where are they found?
Don't look, phthalates are everywhere! Judge for yourself: toys and rubber products, vinyl floor coverings, shower curtains, shoes, bags and clothing made of faux leather, plastic packaging and film for food, cosmetic products (perfumes, deodorants, aftershave lotions, shampoos, hair sprays, nail polish) ... And this list is far from complete. The proportion of phthalates can reach up to 50% in some products.
What are the dangers?
The main risk is repeated and daily exposure to phthalates. According to a study published in 2003 by a group of German researchers, 12% of the general population exceeds the tolerable daily intake by ingestion recommended by the European Community for DEHP, one of the most widely used phthalates (37 μg/kg body weight/day). For 31% of individuals, daily consumption exceeded the Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) reference dose of 20 μg/kg body weight/day. Many scientific studies report strong adverse effects on human health: premature births, genital abnormalities in newborns, precocious puberty in young girls, risks of allergies and asthma, cancers, etc.
At onature, we do without it!
Our formulations do not contain phthalates, which are favored by manufacturers as stabilizers or diluents. In both cases, natural alternatives exist but are deliberately ignored since they increase the manufacturing cost and decrease future profits. Carefully developed, our very stable bases are not diluted with vegetable oils (fractionated coconut oil, etc.). Our healthy home fragrances, composed of natural grain alcohol, pure water, essential oils and gentle fragrances without harmful chemicals, require the development of specific formulations to bring the good aromas of nature into your home, without danger to your health!
