For the background info see below.

FDA product survey

As part of ongoing work to understand the safety of phthalates, the FDA published an update to its earlier survey of phthalate levels in a range of consumer products. You can find the full findings on the FDA website.

It’s important to note that full disclosure of phthalates is not always required. For example, they may be included under the term “fragrance” on ingredient lists. This means the list below cannot be fully comprehensive, but it still provides a useful guide to where phthalates are commonly found.

2010 Survey of Cosmetics for Phthalate Content

How to avoid phthalates

• Look for “phthalate-free” on product labels
• Be cautious of products listing “fragrance” without detail
• Choose simpler formulations where possible
• Prefer glass, stainless steel or clearly labelled plastics for food storage

Are these products still likely to contain phthalates today?

The FDA survey provides a useful indication of the types of products in which phthalates have been found, but product formulations can change over time. Growing consumer awareness and changes in regulations have led many manufacturers to reduce or remove certain phthalates from their products. However, phthalates may still be present in some cosmetics, personal care products, fragrances, plastics, vinyl products and food packaging materials.

Phthalates are often used as plasticisers, helping make plastics softer and more flexible. They can also be used in fragrances to help scents last longer. Because fragrance mixtures are often protected as trade secrets, it may not always be possible to determine whether a product contains phthalates simply by reading the label.

How can consumers reduce exposure to phthalates?

While it is difficult to avoid phthalates completely, there are some practical steps that may help reduce exposure:

Choose fragrance-free products where possible.

Check product information provided by manufacturers.

Store and heat food in glass, ceramic or stainless-steel containers rather than soft plastics.

Reduce the use of heavily fragranced household products and air fresheners.

Follow guidance from public health and regulatory organisations on chemical safety.

Are all phthalates the same?

Phthalates are a large family of chemicals and not all have the same properties or potential health effects. Some phthalates have been the subject of extensive research and are now restricted in certain products, particularly toys and childcare articles. Scientific understanding of phthalates continues to develop, and regulations vary between countries and product types.

This article is based on FDA survey data and published research available at the time of writing. Product formulations may have changed since the survey was conducted, so consumers should refer to current manufacturer information wherever possible.

This guide was updated in May 2026 to reflect current product formulations and labeling practices.