Phthalates
A family of endocrine-disrupting chemicals used as plasticizers and fragrance carriers in cosmetics, plastics, and personal-care products. Avoided during pregnancy.
Quick answer
Avoid phthalates during pregnancy. This family of endocrine-disrupting plasticizers is associated with altered male reproductive development (reduced anogenital distance) and neurodevelopmental effects in prenatal-exposure studies. Phthalates are often hidden in “fragrance” on cosmetics labels.
INCI name
Phthalates
CAS number
117-81-7
Also known as
DEHP, DBP, BBP, DEP, dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Formula
varies (group)
What is Phthalates?
What phthalates are
Phthalates are a family of synthetic chemicals (esters of phthalic acid) that make plastics flexible and help fragrances last longer. Common members include DEHP (CAS 117-81-7), DBP (84-74-2), BBP (85-68-7), and DEP (84-66-2)1. They appear in vinyl flooring, food packaging, medical tubing, nail polish, hair sprays, and any product where the ingredient list says “fragrance” or “parfum” without further detail.
Because U.S. cosmetics law lets manufacturers hide individual fragrance components as trade secrets, phthalates are routinely undisclosed on labels even when present2.
Why phthalates are a concern in pregnancy
Phthalates are endocrine disruptors — they interfere with hormone signaling, particularly in the androgen pathway. Prenatal phthalate exposure has been associated in cohort studies with:
- Reduced anogenital distance in male infants, a biomarker for androgen exposure during the “masculinization programming window” in early pregnancy3.
- Altered neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood — attention, executive function, and IQ effects in some studies4.
- Possible associations with preterm birth in higher-exposure populations5.
The U.S. NIH and ACOG both advise pregnant patients to minimize phthalate exposure where practical — choose “fragrance-free” products, avoid recycling-code-3 plastics for food storage, and reduce processed-food intake when possible6.
How to spot phthalates on labels
Look for the abbreviations DBP, DEHP, BBP, DEP, or DMP. If you see “fragrance” or “parfum” on a non-EWG-verified product, assume phthalates may be present unless the brand explicitly states otherwise. EU cosmetics are subject to stricter phthalate restrictions than U.S. ones.
Trimester-specific note
First-trimester exposure is the most-studied window for the male-reproductive outcomes — but exposure reduction is reasonable across all of pregnancy.
Related questions
When to talk to your OB
If you used a product containing Phthalates before learning you were pregnant, mention it at your next prenatal visit — but most topical cosmetic exposures are not a cause for panic. For prescription exposures or specific concerns, contact your OB or midwife directly.
Sources
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Phthalates — PubChem. PubChem. View source →
- Environmental Working Group. Not So Sexy: The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance. EWG. View source →
- Swan SH, Main KM, Liu F, et al. (2005). Decrease in anogenital distance among male infants with prenatal phthalate exposure. Environmental Health Perspectives. View source →
- Engel SM, Miodovnik A, Canfield RL, et al. (2010). Prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with childhood behavior and executive functioning. Environmental Health Perspectives. View source →
- Ferguson KK, McElrath TF, Meeker JD. (2014). Environmental phthalate exposure and preterm birth. JAMA Pediatrics. View source →
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Reducing Prenatal Exposure to Toxic Environmental Agents. ACOG Committee Opinion 832. View source →