What Are Phthalates? Understanding the "Everywhere Chemical"

Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds commonly used as plasticizers in various industrial and consumer products. They are added to plastics to increase their flexibility, durability, and transparency, per the EPA. 

Odorless, colorless, and highly versatile, some of the most commonly used phthalates include:

• Dioctyl phthalate (DOP)
• Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
• Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
• Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
• Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)

If, like us, you try to live by the maxim, “If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, don’t consume it,” that list above might look a little scary – and for good reason. Some phthalates, including DINP and DBP, have already been restricted by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to studies showing the toxic and harmful effects of phthalates. However, these restrictions only apply to baby and children’s products (and for phthalates at levels greater than 0.1% by weight). Read more about the CPSC restrictions here.

Other phthalates may be just as toxic but, as yet, no action has been taken. 

Phthalates show up in far more places than most people realize. Because they’re used to make plastics more flexible and to help fragrances last longer, they’ve become common in both household items and personal care products. 

You’ll often find phthalates in:

And that list only scratches the surface. Because phthalates are used across so many industries, they’ve become a common part of everyday products and often in places you wouldn’t expect.

Because phthalates are used in so many everyday products, exposure can happen more easily than most people realize.

People can be exposed through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. In practical terms, that means phthalates can enter your body through:

• Food and drink: when phthalates migrate from plastic packaging or processing equipment
• Air and dust: as phthalates slowly escape from products like flooring, furniture, or synthetic materials
• Skin contact: through personal care products like lotions, cosmetics, and fragrances

Unlike some chemicals, phthalates are not chemically bound to the materials they’re added to. Over time, they can move out of those products and into the surrounding environment, settling into household dust, circulating in the air, or transferring through direct contact.

This constant, low-level exposure is part of why phthalates are often described as “everywhere chemicals.” Even small, repeated interactions with phthalate-containing products can add up over time.

Phthalates have been studied for their potential impact on human health, particularly their ability to interfere with the body’s endocrine system, the network of glands and hormones that regulate growth, development and reproduction.

According to the EPA, some phthalates are classified as endocrine disruptors, which means that they can mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones. Research has linked certain phthalates to:

• Hormonal disruption: which may affect reproductive health and development
• Developmental concerns: particularly in infants and children during critical growth stages
• Reproductive effects: including impacts on fertility and pregnancy outcomes
• Respiratory issues: with some studies suggesting links to asthma and allergies

A 2025 review of current research by RTI international, a nonprofit research institute, determined that even with current alternatives and regulation, phthalates exposure is widespread, which makes even small, repeated exposures worth understanding, especially over time.

While phthalate exposure can affect anyone, some groups may be more sensitive to its effects:

• Pregnant women: due to potential impacts on fetal development
• Infants and children: whose bodies are still developing
• People with frequent product exposure: such as through personal care or occupational environments

Because development happens so rapidly during early life, even low-level exposures during these stages are often studied more closely.

In the U.S., certain phthalates have been restricted in children’s products by the CPSC, particularly at levels above 0.1% in items like toys and child care articles.

However, not all phthalates are regulated equally, and restrictions can vary depending on the product category. In some cases, similar chemical substitutes may be used in place of restricted compounds.

Phthalates can leach into the environment, contaminating soil, water, dust, and even the air. They are not persistent in the environment, as they break down easily, but they are released into the environment at high enough levels to be concerning, especially due to their known endocrine-disrupting properties, which can harm wildlife and ecosystems.

Phthalates have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues in aquatic organisms, disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. The phthalate DBP has been linked to the decline of amphibian species even when found in low concentrations. And as mentioned, the accumulation of phthalates in the environment can pose risks to human health when they enter the food chain. 

Phthalates are most commonly used in crib mattresses as part of vinyl (PVC) waterproof covers. These materials are popular because they’re inexpensive, flexible, and effective at preventing liquids from soaking into the mattress.

Waterproofing is highly important in crib mattresses. A crib mattress needs to stand up to everyday messes like diaper leaks, spit-up, and spills. Without a waterproof barrier, moisture can seep inside the mattress and allow mold, bacteria, and odors can develop over time, which isn't safe for a baby.

But phthalates aren't safe either – so why use them? In many conventional mattresses, phthalates are added to vinyl, a cheap waterproofing material, to make it softer and more flexible. This helps manufacturers create a waterproof surface at a lower cost, which can make the final product more affordable.

However, this approach comes with trade-offs. Babies spend so much time sleeping – up to 18 hours a day as a newborn – which is a large amount of time to be directly exposed to phthalates, especially for a vulnerable population.

Phthalates can be confusing – from how to pronounce them to where they show up. Here are answers to some of the most commonly searched questions.

Parabens and phthalates are two different types of chemical compounds commonly used in consumer products. Parabens are preservatives used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, especially in cosmetics and personal care products. Phthalates are plasticizers used to make materials more flexible or to help fragrances last longer. While they serve different functions, both are often discussed together because of concerns about how they may interact with the body’s hormonal systems.

Look for labels like “phthalate-free” and review product materials, especially avoiding vinyl (PVC) and flexible plastics when possible. Choosing fragrance-free personal care products can also help, since phthalates are sometimes used to extend scent. When in doubt, opt for brands that clearly disclose their materials and certifications.

Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) is a type of phthalate commonly used to make plastics more flexible and durable. It has historically been used in products like vinyl materials, flooring, and synthetic leather. Like other phthalates, it has been studied for its potential health and environmental impacts, which has led to increased scrutiny and regulation in certain applications.

Phthalates are sometimes used in fragranced products to help scents last longer. Because fragrance formulas are often considered proprietary, phthalates may not always be listed clearly on ingredient labels. This is why fragranced products are often mentioned in discussions about phthalate exposure.

Phthalates are not typically used in most fabrics, but they can appear in certain clothing components like synthetic leather (PVC), plastic prints, waterproof coatings, or accessories. They may also be present in some textile treatments or finishes. If you’re looking to reduce exposure, choosing simple, untreated fabrics, looking for GOTS-certified options, and avoiding vinyl-based materials can help.

Phthalates are a part of modern life found in everything from everyday products to the materials used in our homes. While it’s nearly impossible to avoid them entirely, understanding where they show up and how they’re used can help you make more informed decisions. And few places matter more than where you sleep.

Your bedroom is where your body rests, resets, and recovers for hours at a time, every single night. The materials you bring into that space, especially those closest to your body, can play a meaningful role in your overall health. 

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This article or parts of this article may have been created with the support of AI tools. All Naturepedic content is thoroughly reviewed and edited by our team to ensure accuracy.