Are Phthalates Safe During Pregnancy?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make fragrances last longer and to soften plastics. In beauty products they are most commonly linked to fragrance and nail polish. Many clinicians recommend avoiding phthalates during pregnancy due to endocrine and developmental concerns.
Quick verdict
- Avoid: products that list phthalates (for example, dibutyl phthalate) or heavy fragrance blends.
- Use with caution: fragranced products if you are unsure of the ingredient list.
- Safer swaps: fragrance-free skincare and phthalate-free nail polish.
Where phthalates show up
- Fragrance or parfum blends.
- Nail polishes and nail treatments.
- Some packaging materials or plastic components.
How to avoid them
- Choose fragrance-free products when possible.
- Look for nail polish labeled phthalate-free.
- Scan the ingredient list in MamaSkin for hidden phthalate names.
Product examples from our database
- Olive & June Olive & June Super Stick Tab Pack (score 38) - contains phthalates, avoid during pregnancy.
- Olive & June Olive & June Tab Press-Ons (score 38) - contains phthalates, avoid during pregnancy.
- Camille Rose Camille Rose Black Castor Oil + Chebe Repair (score 37) - contains phthalates, avoid during pregnancy.
- Avarelle Avarelle Patch Spot Tech (score 33) - contains phthalates, avoid during pregnancy.
- Focallure Focallure Acne Pimple Patch (score 31) - contains phthalates, avoid during pregnancy.
- 3CE 3CE Eye Switch (score 29) - contains phthalates, avoid during pregnancy.
Ingredient watchlist from our library
- Retinoids (high risk): avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Formaldehyde releasers (medium risk): can be irritating and are commonly avoided.
- Chemical sunscreen filters (medium risk): choose mineral filters if you want the lowest absorption.
FAQs
- Are phthalates safe during pregnancy? No. Phthalates are generally avoided in pregnancy due to endocrine and developmental concerns.
- Where are phthalates found in beauty products? They can appear in fragrance, nail polish, and some plastics or packaging.
- How can I avoid phthalates? Choose fragrance-free products and avoid nail polishes that list phthalates.
Read next
References
- FDA on phthalates: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates
- NCBI overview on phthalates: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8157593/
- ACOG on skin changes in pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy
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FAQs
Are phthalates safe during pregnancy?
No. Phthalates are generally avoided in pregnancy due to endocrine and developmental concerns.
Where are phthalates found in beauty products?
They can appear in fragrance, nail polish, and some plastics or packaging.
How can I avoid phthalates?
Choose fragrance-free products and avoid nail polishes that list phthalates.
