What are Phthalates?Updated 2 years ago

‘Phthalates’ is the name of a group of chemicals that have multiple uses. Within the group, there are different types of phthalates that are used for different purposes, one of which is commonly used in fragrance oils. Products that include phthalates are increasingly becoming a concern to consumers due to certain types within the group being labelled as potentially having adverse effects on human health.  The particular type of phthalates creating this concern is typically used as ‘plasticizers,’ which allow plastic products to become flexible without compromising their strength. This type of phthalate is not the same as those used to create fragrance oils. Phthalates used in fragrance oils, known as DEP (Diethyl Phthalate), are solvents used to extend the aromatic strength of the candle fragrance oil. DEP has been found to be non-toxic in skin products and candles if used at safe levels. Review a fragrance oil's IFRA sheet for safe levels of usage.

Some phthalates are poisonous and some of them are harmless. However, because they are all usually labelled and grouped together as 'phthalates', people generally want to avoid them altogether.

Our fragrance oils will indicate whether it is phthalate free or not in their product description.