if you've ever flipped over a perfume bottle looking for phthalates, you probably didn't find them. that doesn't always mean they aren't there. here's why, and a quick way to check any label.
what phthalates are doing in fragrance
phthalates are a family of chemicals used in lots of everyday products. in cosmetics, the one you're most likely to meet is diethyl phthalate (dep), which is used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances. according to the fda, dep appears to be the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetics.
why they rarely show up on the label
in the u.s., fragrance ingredients can be listed as one word: "fragrance" or "parfum." the fda explains that fragrance formulas are treated as trade secrets, so brands don't have to list what's inside. a phthalate used in the fragrance can sit behind that single word.
what the fda says about safety
to be fair and accurate: the fda says it doesn't currently have compelling evidence that phthalates, as they're used in cosmetics, pose a safety risk. research on phthalates and hormones is ongoing, though, and some people, like me, choose to avoid them as a precaution. after my own hormone diagnoses, that's the choice i made. if you want to avoid them, the most useful thing a brand can give you is a clear, specific promise about its fragrance.
the 30-second label check
- find the ingredient list. on the box, the bottle or the brand's website.
- look for "fragrance" or "parfum." if it's there with no explanation, you don't know what's in it.
- look for a promise. does the brand say what the fragrance is made of, or state it's phthalate-free? a clear statement is a good sign.
- scan for the obvious ones. diethyl phthalate, dep, dibutyl phthalate, dbp.
- still unsure? ask. email the brand. a brand that cares will answer.
for a longer guide, see how to choose a non-toxic perfume.
what we do differently
morning sun is formulated without phthalates, parabens, or known endocrine disruptors. our fragrance is a private blend from our fragrance house, so it's listed as "fragrance" on the label, but we can promise it's made with 98%+ natural ingredients and naturally derived in line with iso 16128-2. you can read the full breakdown on what's in it (and what isn't).
i'm not a doctor, and this isn't medical advice. it's the label-reading habit that changed how i shop. join the list if you want to be first when our first batch drops on november 10.