Invisible poisons like BPA in our products
Phthalates (pronounced ‘fthal-ates’) are a class of chemicals that act as a carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. They are considered “forever chemicals” since they don’t break down easily or quickly in the human body. They are extremely common and cause exposure via a wide array of products like plastics, makeup, hair products, and scented products like candles. They bioaccumulate within an individual throughout one’s lifetime. Phthalates differ from other toxins in their ability to be passed down to offspring. They have been credited with decreasing fertility in men and women by causing permanent damage to the reproductive system. Their effects may even compound as they pass through a lineage. There is currently no standard certification label for products being free of phthalates (as of Feb. 27, 2025).
Phenols are forever chemical like phthalates. The most common one is BPA. It is used in plastic items and coatings. While it is most common in cheap products, it is also prevalent in higher priced and luxury goods as well. A product certification called BPA Free was created to help shoppers avoid these chemicals. Toxic alternatives to BPA are also used in manufacturing such as BPF, BPS, and BPA. An extended BPA certification exists to more thoroughly cover phenol toxins known as No Phenols Added. It is important to look for the official certification label. Uncertified products may simply claim to be free of these chemicals in product descriptions and titles which may be misleading. Uncertified products may legally make these claims when they actually are BPA free, and many companies avoid such certifications due to cost. Many companies advertise certificates that come with a number or barcode for verification.
Details
With the current state of shopping and e-commerce, it is important to be vigilant with health information and skeptical of companies. Many products advertise testing results in marketing or even with information included in packaging. Certain testing may include standardized certifications and labels. Test results should be verified with the lab responsible. Labs themselves should be checked for legitimacy.