Did you know that your skin absorbs up to 60% of what you apply to it? Like a sponge, it pulls in the ingredients found in lotions, creams, balms, and cosmetics—including potentially harmful chemicals. Among the worst offenders are phthalates, a group of chemicals commonly used to make fragrances last longer and plastics more flexible.

Phthalates have been linked to a range of health concerns:

• Hormone disruption and interference with the endocrine system
• Reproductive toxicity especially in women and children
• Increased risk of asthma and allergies in both children and adults
• Potential connections to breast cancer and developmental issues
• Hormone disruption and interference with the endocrine system

These chemicals often hide in plain sight, listed under vague ingredient names like “fragrance” or “parfum.” According to research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), phthalates are found in the urine of most Americans, with personal care products being a major source of exposure (CDC, 2022).

A 2021 study in the journal Environmental Pollution also found that exposure to phthalates is associated with an increased risk of premature death from heart disease, particularly in older adults.

This is why Leila Organics chooses a different path. We never use synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or stabilizers. Our ingredient lists are simple, honest, and safe. When you smooth our balm onto your lips or rub our cream into your hands, you can feel confident that what’s going into your body is just as clean and intentional as the food you choose to eat.

Sources:
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Phthalates Factsheet.
– Trasande, L., et al.: Phthalates Factsheet.