Maddie James
Phthalates are chemicals used to enhance the scents of candles and stabilise fragrances. They are also used to make plastics flexible. Exposure to phthalates, particularly during the fetal stage, can have adverse effects on health. Phthalates have been linked to lower cognitive function, developmental delays, and reduced testosterone in boys. They are also suspected to increase the risk of bladder cancer. While the EU has stricter regulations on phthalates, they are not banned in the US, and candles from popular retailers such as Target may contain these chemicals. It is important for consumers to be aware of the potential presence of phthalates in candles and their associated health risks when making purchasing decisions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Phthalates in Target candles | Target sells candles that do not contain phthalates, such as Mrs. Meyer's candles, which are vegan and use vegetable wax derived from soy and corn. |
| Health impact | Phthalates are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can negatively impact health, including fertility, asthma, allergies, and the development of children. |
| Alternatives | Phthalate-free candles are available from brands such as Good & Well Supply Co. and Sweet Water Decor. Beeswax candles with essential oils are a low-toxicity option, but they can be expensive. |
| Regulations | The EU has stricter phthalate regulations under REACH that restrict or ban phthalates in consumer products, including candles. |
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What You'll Learn
Target's Mrs. Meyers candles are phthalate-free
Phthalates are a common chemical ingredient used in manufacturing cheap fragrance oils. They help the fragrance extend its aromatic strength. Phthalates are in many scented products, including perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, and candles. They are endocrine disruptors that affect your hormonal balance and can cause reproductive and fertility issues, among other health problems.
Mrs. Meyer's is a company that sells candles that are phthalate-free. Their candles are made with soy wax and 100% essential oils. These tins of wholesome scented goodness are less than $5, so they are very affordable. Mrs. Meyer's is also one of the cheapest companies for phthalate-free candles per ounce. Their candles have a long burn time and are aesthetically pleasing.
Mrs. Meyer's is not the only company that sells phthalate-free candles. Other companies include Good & Well Supply Co., P.F. Candle Co., and Brooklyn Candle Studio. These companies sell candles that are made with natural ingredients and are free of other harmful chemicals.
If you are looking for a candle that is safe to burn and will not harm your health, then a phthalate-free candle is a good option. Mrs. Meyer's candles are a great choice, as they are affordable and made with natural ingredients.
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Potential health risks of phthalates
Phthalates are a common chemical ingredient used in manufacturing cheap fragrance oils. They are also used to soften vinyl plastic. They help the fragrance extend its aromatic strength. Phthalates are in many scented products, including perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, candles, and more. They are also present in skincare, shampoo, and other fragrances. Due to their ubiquity in the environment, human exposure to phthalates is virtually unavoidable. Phthalates can be easily leached into food, water, and other products applied directly to the human body.
Phthalates can potentially disrupt the endocrine system. They have been shown to be anti-androgenic, meaning they decrease testosterone. Studies in rats have shown that if you dose the pregnant mother, the offspring have defects of the male reproductive tract. There have also been studies in humans that have found anti-androgenic effects on the development of the male reproductive tract. Epidemiological studies have also shown that prenatal exposure to phthalates affects children’s neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral outcomes. Maternal exposure to phthalates during pregnancy can impair child brain development and increase children’s risks for learning, attention, and behavioral disorders.
Phthalates can also affect the reproductive system of men and women from the fetus to adulthood. They can accumulate in the human body and have already been identified in blood, amniotic fluid, and urine. Several countries have established restrictions and regulations on some types of phthalates. However, more countries should establish constraints or substitute measures to reduce health risks.
To reduce exposure to phthalates, consumers can choose phthalate-free products, such as phthalate-free candles, cosmetics, and personal care products. It is important to note that even essential oils have risks, and it can be difficult for consumers to read labels and identify products that contain phthalates.
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Phthalates in skincare, cosmetics, shampoo, and fragrances
Phthalates are chemical compounds developed in the last century that are commonly used to make plastics more durable. They are colorless, odourless, and oily, and do not evaporate easily. They are used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products, including skincare, cosmetics, shampoo, and fragrances.
In skincare and cosmetics, phthalates are often used as solvents and stabilizers. Historically, the primary phthalates used in these products have been dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP). These phthalates have been used in products such as nail polish, hairspray, aftershave lotions, cleansers, and shampoos. However, according to the FDA's 2010 survey, DBP and DMP are rarely used anymore, with DEP being the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetics. While the FDA does not currently have safety concerns about the use of DEP, consumers who wish to avoid it can choose products that do not include "Fragrance" or "Flavor" in the ingredient declaration.
In shampoos, phthalates are often used as gelling agents and to enhance the fragrance of the product. They can also promote flexibility in hair sprays and stabilize hair product formulations. However, research has shown that exposure to phthalates is associated with various health concerns, particularly reproductive disorders. Phthalates can also contribute to hair loss by disrupting the hormones that regulate the hair cycle and have been linked to eczema, which can cause scalp inflammation and subsequent hair loss. Due to these concerns, it is recommended that consumers avoid phthalates wherever possible, especially in personal care products.
Phthalates are also commonly used in fragrances to improve the durability of perfumes and enhance the diffusion of fragrance components on the skin. They act as solvents, combining various ingredients to create a balanced scent delivery system, and help to avoid the loss of scent, allowing it to last for hours after application. However, their use in fragrances has raised serious health concerns, with potential hazards ranging from minor to severe and permanent effects. There is also evidence that maternal consumption of foods with phthalates before giving birth may cause children to experience learning disorders and behavioural problems. As such, there is a growing movement towards phthalate-free fragrances and candles, with companies creating natural perfumes and candles that are free of this chemical.
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$20.25 $21.44
EU's stricter phthalate regulations
Phthalates are synthetic chemicals used to improve the flexibility and durability of certain plastics. They are also used in adhesives, sealants, paints, rubber materials, wires, cables, flooring, packaging, food contact materials, medical devices, and sports equipment. Phthalates are everywhere in our environment and can be easily absorbed by the human body. They can also leech into our food.
Due to their wide use and the associated health risks, the European Union (EU) strictly regulates the usage of phthalates in consumer products. The EU's Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation aims to protect human health and the environment by restricting dangerous substances and articles made from those substances. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classifies Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) as substances that negatively and permanently impact human health and the environment. Phthalates are included in the SVHC Candidate List.
According to the REACH regulation, the use of phthalates in consumer products is restricted based on two methods: concentration by weight and specific migration limits (SML). For example, DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP are restricted to a maximum of 0.1% by weight in most consumer articles, while DINP, DIDP, and DNOP are restricted to a maximum of 0.1% by weight in toys and childcare products that children might place in their mouths.
In addition to these regulations, the EU has also banned the use of six phthalates (DINP, DEHP, DBP, DIDP, DNOP, and BBP) in children's toys since 1999, with a permanent ban in place since 2007. This ban has been extended to include childcare products. Since November 2020, the EU has also restricted the use of phthalates in consumer clothing, related accessories, and other textiles that come into direct contact with the skin.
The EU's stricter phthalate regulations are a response to the potential health risks associated with exposure to phthalates, including interference with the endocrine system, negative effects on reproductive health, and potential links to certain cancers and metabolic disorders.
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Alternatives to Target's candles with phthalates
While Target offers a wide range of affordable candles with various scents, designs, and burn times, some of their candles, such as the Target Project 62 candle, are reported to contain phthalates. Phthalates are synthetic chemical ingredients commonly used in manufacturing cheap fragrance oils to extend their aromatic strength. They are also found in skincare, cosmetics, shampoo, and fragrances. Due to their wide use, phthalates are easily absorbed by the human body, where they can disrupt the endocrine system and interfere with hormonal homeostasis, especially in developing fetuses, newborns, and children.
- Sweet Water Decor: This company offers a line of adorable quoted soy candles perfect for any occasion, such as Mother's Day, birthdays, and wedding wishes. Their high-quality candles are designed to "bring light into your life and home" without the presence of phthalates.
- P.F. Candle Co: This company offers a stylish Sunset Line of 10 oz premium phthalate-free candles. Their candles are ideal for adding designer vibes to your space, evoking nostalgic, earth-toned motifs inspired by California scenery.
- Brooklyn Candle Studio: This studio creates candles with captivating scents, a beautiful minimalist design, and the best ingredients. Their candles are petroleum-free, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and 100% vegan.
- Good & Well Supply Co: This company offers all-natural soy candles handcrafted to impart the scents of America's National Parks. Their candles are vegan, cruelty-free, and poured in small phthalate-free batches in Seattle, WA. They also advocate for and support public lands through donations to the National Park Foundation and Washington National Park Fund.
- Aire Candle Co and Natural Sloth: These companies offer beeswax candles with essential oils, providing a more subtle and natural fragrance. Their products are free from artificial ingredients, phthalates, dyes, parabens, and cruelty, making them a safer choice for both pets and babies.
In addition to these candle alternatives, you can also consider making your own potpourri or simmer pots with ingredients like cinnamon and orange for a natural and safe fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Not all Target candles contain phthalates. Mrs. Meyer's candles, for example, are phthalate-free. However, some Target candles, such as the Project 62 Pillar Candles, contain paraffin, which has been linked to potential health hazards.
Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics flexible and to stabilize fragrances in products. They are often found in scented candles, but they can be harmful to health, especially during the fetal period.
Some phthalate-free candle options at Target include Mrs. Meyer's candles, Soho Brights Tin Candles, and Opalhouse Scented Soy Candles. These candles use vegan ingredients and natural waxes like soy, palm, and vegetable wax.
