Toiletries and
cosmetics
Chemical substances in the phthalate, paraben, phenol, and PFAS groups are widely used in many toiletry and fragrance products.
Hundreds are suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) because they mimic hormone actions in the body and interfere with the functions of the endocrine system.
Endocrine disruptors make up to 40% of cosmetic ingredients
Phthalates are one of the most widely used chemicals added to toiletries and cosmetics, used as preservatives, to carry fragrance, or as plasticisers to add flexibility. Phthalates make up to 40% of some products, and can penetrate the skin barrier, so it’s always worth checking ingredients lists.
Parabens are used for their preservative and antibacterial properties to keep skincare, cosmetics, and toiletries fresh for longer. The four most common groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl paraben, so keep an eye out for them on ingredients lists.
Products such as sunscreen, hair straighteners, and waterproof mascara often use PFAS chemicals in their ingredients list at low concentrations.
Our test can detect recent exposure to 5 types of phthalates and 4 types of parabens used in toiletries and fragranced products.
We can test your exposure to these chemicals