If you’ve been doing your research over the years into potentially harmful ingredients in your home, food and personal care products, chances are you’ve come across the term “phthalates”. But what exactly are they, and why should they be avoided?

So, what are phthalates?

Phthalates are a family of chemicals with the same basic chemical structure that are used as “plasticizers” to increase the flexibility and durability of a wide range of products, including shampoo and hairspray. Extensive research over the years has shown that exposure to phthalates is associated with various disorders, but most significantly with endocrine disruption, as their chemical structure mocks that of a human hormone. This in turn can lead to reproductive disorders and even some cancers, and exacerbated by the frequency of contact.

Phthalates are categorised as an “everywhere” chemical—a troubling classification that demonstrates their presence in so many products, including some baby formula. Their widespread use has raised concerns about human health, as we come into contact with them multiple times every day. 

Why are phthalates used in haircare?

In haircare, the plasticizer and gelling agent can also exist in the vague term, “fragrance,” that you often see in the ingredient list of your favourite products. Phthalates are used in fragrances because they are responsible for making the scent last longer. What’s worse? You may never know if the ‘fragrance’ listed in your product has actually phthalates – because fragrance is deemed proprietary and companies are not legally bound to share its components.

For this blog we wanted to highlight their use in shampoo in particular, often as a gelling agent but also because they promote a pleasant scent — even allowing it to linger on the hair for days. But we also wanted to highlight how easy it is to avoid phthalates in the first place, by turning your attention to some of our most popular, nasty-free shampoo formulations! Read on for some of our customers’ top picks… 

Chloe Zara Hair Silk Hair Wash

All clean and most definitely phthalate-free, this luxurious shampoo works to cleanse, restructure, strengthen and nourish your hair while adding intense hydration. For all hair types, particularly colour-treated hair, using it over time will create smooth, soft, and easy to comb hair – and it will be fabulous smelling. A unique blend of sandalwood, pineapple, fig, and saffron can be found in all of the products in the Chloe Zara Hair collection, with the fragrance most definitely also free of the bad stuff.

Ethique Mintasy

The original shampoo bar created by Ethique – and a long time crowd favourite – Mintasy (formally known as Damage Control) is perfect for anyone with normal to dry, maybe slightly damaged hair. The formula pairs coconut oil and cocoa butter with peppermint to cleanse your hair and smooth your hair shaft, and it’s blissfully soap-free, pH balanced and safe for colour treated hair. Just one shampoo block is equivalent to three bottles of liquid shampoo too, so choose this baby and the planet will thank you for it.

Dust & Glow Powder Based Shampoo

Another climate change fighting hero, this shampoo highlights the fact that most shampoos are 80-90 per cent water, loaded with synthetic chemicals, preservatives, fragrance, and packed in single-use plastic. Dust & Glow decided to shake things up by creating a 100 per cent plant-based shampoo concentrate in powder form, that is then activated by the water in your shower. Formulated with soy protein, coconut, and a pre and probiotic complex to clean, condition and hydrate your hair, the unscented shampoo is also super concentrated and will last for up to 60 washes. 

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Here at Clean Beauty Collective, we’ve searched the world to bring you only the best haircare products made with the cleanest ingredients