AVOID these FOUR Laundry Mistakes - Part 1: Let’s Talk about Phthalates

Posted by Nathaniel H Thomas on

By Nathaniel Thomas, founder of Terra Haven 

(3 minute read) 


Let’s talk about phthalates. How the heck do you say it? And what are they, anyway? 

Phthalates are chemicals known as plasticizers, used to give liquid products a gel-like consistency, which are used to make plastics more durable and flexible. First introduced in 1920, and increasingly popular since 1931 when they were first used in PVC plastics, they are often found in products that stick to and penetrate the skin, and as a solvent or stabilizer in perfumes and fragrances. They may be found in lotions, cosmetics, nail polishes, hair sprays, cleansers, aftershave lotions, shampoos, cleaning products, and laundry detergents.

Phthalates may be the wonder chemical in plastic production, and as a liquid stabilizer, but the bad news is that these chemicals are everywhere. And they enter our bodies, either through our skin, inhalation, ingestion, or even through the placenta barrier during pregnancy. 

Once they get into our bodies, phthalates are reproductive toxins and known endocrine disruptors—meaning they can wreak havoc on our hormones, reducing estrogen and testosterone levels, and blocking thyroid regulation. Phthalates are even associated with insulin resistance and diabetes, elevated blood pressure, obesity, and higher triglyceride levels. The fertility issues caused by phthalates can potentially affect fertility across multiple generations. 

Now that we see how scary harmful these chemical components can be, fortunately many countries are restricting or banning phthalates in toys, and many beauty product companies are choosing to be phthalate-free. Phthalates are common in laundry detergent, but you won’t always find them listed on product labels, as they are often used in fragrance formulations for longer lasting scents. Currently the FDA only restricts the use of phthalates from food packaging. 

This is why Earth Breeze developed their waterless Eco Sheets laundry detergent—in Fresh Scent or Fragrance Free—to be hypoallergenic, bleach-free, dye-free, paraben-free, phosphate-free, phthalate-free, and certified cruelty-free, and is dermatologist tested. You can wash with ease and peace of mind, and kick your old fashioned detergent to the curb. Rated #1 by Caring Consumer, try Earth Breeze today!


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