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What are Phthalates?
Research has shown that exposure to phthalates is associated with various disorders, but most significantly with reproductive disorders.
Marilar Irastorza/Stocksy
Phthalates for Hair
bang out of ingredient:Plasticizer and gelling agent.
However, there is significant research that supports avoiding phthalates due to their adverse effects on human health.
Why are Phthalates in Shampoo?
But do they actually provide any benefit to the hair or scalp?
“Shampoos are really meant to clean the scalp first and the hair second,” Gee says.
Both Gee and Markowitz identified phthalates as hormone disruptors.
Research has linked phthalates to fertility disorders in both males and females.
Phthalates and Hair Loss
Markowitz mentions that hormonal disruption is a common cause of hair loss.
However, both experts caution that phthalates alone are unlikely to be the sole cause of hair loss.
Neither expert feels there are any direct benefits of phthalates to the health of the hair or scalp.
Both reference the mounting evidence of negative effects of phthalates on human health to recommend avoiding their use.
She says, “It’s nontoxic and it leaves my hair feeling quite good.”
Gee recommends Olaplex, Amika, Virtue, and Living Proof as her favorite phthalate-free hair companies.
Research has shown that exposure to phthalates is associated with various disorders, but most significantly with reproductive disorders.
Hlisnikova H, Petrovicova I, Kolena B, Sidlovska M, Sirotkin A.
Effects and mechanisms of phthalates action on reproductive processes and reproductive health: a literature review.
Int J Environ Res Public Health.
2020;17(18):6811.
Hlisnikova H, Petrovicova I, Kolena B, Sidlovska M, Sirotkin A.
2020;17(18):6811.
2021;9(7):157.
Wang Y, Qian H. Phthalates and their impacts on human health.
Healthcare (Basel).
2021;9(5):603.
Int J Environ Res Public Health.
2020;17(16):5655.
Hannon PR, Flaws JA.
The effects of phthalates on the ovary.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne).
