What’s this news about phthalates during pregnancy?
Mother’s Day is almost here—one of our favorite holidays here at CV Skinlabs. It’s a time to honor the strength, love, and sacrifice of our mothers, those special people in our lives who are irreplaceable.
Imagine our surprise to read about a new study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications showing that expectant moms exposed to everyday products could unwittingly affect their newborns’ metabolism and brain development.
We all know how important it is for moms to take care of themselves before and during their pregnancies, as well as during pregnancy. But this study wasn’t about the dangers of drinking alcohol, taking the wrong drugs, or consuming too much caffeine while pregnant.
It was about the dangers of exposure to phthalates, a group of chemicals used to manufacture a wide range of products, including personal care products.
Here’s what the study found and why it’s more important than ever for us to do what we can to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals in our products.
What Are Phthalates?
Phthalates—pronounced thal-ates—are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. But they’re also added to a surprising number of personal care and beauty products.
Today, they’re present in lotions, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes, and nail polishes, as in these formulations, they help dissolve other ingredients and make fragrances last longer.
If you check the ingredient label, you probably won’t find the word “phthalate.” Instead, manufacturers often hide these chemicals inside proprietary fragrance blends. In some cases, you might see the name of a specific phthalate listed.
When phthalates are disclosed, you may see names like these:
- DEP (diethyl phthalate)—the most common phthalate used in personal care products, particularly in fragrances
- DBP (dibutyl phthalate)—often used in nail polishes to prevent chipping
- DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate)—more common in plastics but sometimes used in fragrances
- DMP (dimethyl phthalate)—sometimes found in hair sprays and insect repellants
More often, you’ll see “fragrance” or “parfum” listed on the label—and that’s often a red flag. These generic terms can legally include dozens (or even hundreds) of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates.
Phthalates are nearly impossible to avoid in modern life, as they’re also used in food packaging, vinyl flooring, medical tubing, plastic toys, detergents, and even raincoats. But their presence in skincare and personal care products—items we rub directly on our skin or breathe in—is raising particular concern, especially for pregnant women.
Phthalates During Pregnancy—Why Are People Concerned About Phthalates?
Previous research has shown that phthalates are endocrine disruptors. That means they can act like hormones in the human body, interfering with the normal function of those hormones.
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system. They travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs, where they help regulate functions like growth, metabolism, mood, sleep, and development during pregnancy.
Even tiny changes in hormone levels can have significant effects on how the body and brain function, which is why there is concern about chemicals like phthalates that interfere with hormones.
Over the years, phthalates have been linked to several health issues, including:
- Reduced fertility in men and women
- Lower testosterone levels
- Increased risk of asthma and allergies
- Obesity and insulin resistance
- Neurodevelopmental problems in children
Now, researchers are turning their attention to how phthalate exposure during pregnancy may impact the developing fetal brain—and the results are concerning.
Phthalates During Pregnancy—The 2025 Study
In April 2025, researchers from Emory University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Columbia University published a study in Nature Communications. The study focused on a large cohort of pregnant women and their newborns and analyzed how prenatal exposure to phthalates affected early brain development.
Here’s what they did:
- Measured phthalate levels in the urine of pregnant women and compared them with the mean levels reported by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during the same study period (2015-2016) in both the general U.S. population aged 20 years and older and in non-Hispanic Blacks.
- After birth, their newborns underwent MRI scans within the first month of life to assess brain connectivity patterns.
- The scientists looked for associations between phthalate levels and changes in white matter—the wiring that helps different parts of the brain communicate.
Here’s what they found:
- Prenatal phthalate levels in the mother’s blood during pregnancy were associated with lower levels of neurotransmitter precursors important for brain development in the newborn’s blood.
- Higher prenatal phthalate levels were also associated with biological changes linked to lower information processing (or attention) and excitability (or arousal) scores in newborns.
These findings suggest that a mother’s exposure to phthalates during pregnancy may influence her newborn’s metabolism soon after birth and may also have lasting effects on infant brain development.
Susan Hoffman, PhD, the study’s first author, had this to say:
“This was the first study to demonstrate that a mother’s exposure to phthalates can impact their baby’s metabolome and also the first to show that these biological changes can impact newborn development. This is important because there is a common belief that the placenta protects the baby from a lot of harmful substances, but this study supports that phthalates are able to cross through the placenta and actually impact the baby’s biology before they are even born and negatively impact their development over time.”
Phthalates During Pregnancy—They’re Everywhere, Including in You!
Unfortunately, phthalates are incredibly widespread in the U.S. population. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 97 percent of Americans have detectable levels of at least three particular phthalates in their bodies.
That means all of us—and our children—are carrying these chemicals in our bodies.
Common sources of phthalate exposure include:
- Scented personal care products (perfume, deodorant, body wash, shampoo)
- Plastic containers and food packaging
- Fast food (which often comes in phthalate-containing wrappers)
- Vinyl flooring and shower curtains
- Air fresheners and cleaning products
Doing something that seems harmless—like applying lotion after a shower—can contribute to a slow, steady accumulation of phthalates in your body.
Phthalates During Pregnancy—The Personal Care Products Problem
You won’t get much exposure to your shower curtain because you’re not touching it daily, but you apply personal care products every day, sometimes multiple times a day. That means that your risk of phthalate exposure is greater from personal care products than almost any other type of product.
Many products marketed to women may be labeled as natural but still contain harmful chemicals. Phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and other toxic substances lurk in everyday items, from face creams to lip balms.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, in particular, should be cautious, as this study shows that their developing babies are especially vulnerable to negative effects from these toxins. The placenta does not block these chemicals; babies can also be exposed through breast milk and skin-to-skin contact.
How to Reduce Your Phthalate Exposure
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to phthalates and other harmful ingredients. Think of it as a powerful act of protection for your baby and a loving gesture for yourself this Mother’s Day and beyond.
Here are some simple ways to start:
1. Avoid Products with “Fragrance” or “Parfum”
These terms often signal the presence of hidden phthalates and many other undisclosed chemicals. Look for products labeled “fragrance-free” or “phthalate-free.”
2. Switch to Safer Personal Care Brands
Brands like CV Skinlabs are specifically formulated without phthalates, parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances. CV Skinlabs focuses on non-toxic, dermatologist-tested ingredients that are gentle and safe for sensitive skin—including during pregnancy and even for newborns.
Always check the ingredient list before purchasing a product. When in doubt, search for products like CV Skinlabs that are made by ingredient-conscious companies.
3. Use Fewer Products
Simplifying your routine can reduce your exposure. For example, our Rescue + Relief Spray can be used as a midday mister, a moisturizing toner, a soothing aftershave, or to calm skin after sun exposure. It also helps relieve that itchy dry belly during pregnancy!
4. Check Packaging
Choose glass or phthalate-free plastic packaging when possible. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, as heat increases chemical leaching.
5. Filter Indoor Air
Phthalates can also be airborne, especially from vinyl products or air fresheners. Use a HEPA filter when vacuuming, open windows regularly to improve air quality, dust regularly, and consider using a quality air filter.
6. Limit Fast Food and Processed Foods
Phthalates are typically more prevalent in highly processed foods and fast food. Opt for fresh, whole foods and store leftovers in glass containers when possible.
A Gift that Lasts a Lifetime
This Mother’s Day, celebrate with the power of self-care—not just as an indulgence but as a vital form of protection. The choices you make now can have ripple effects through your child’s lifetime—and yours, as well.
What do you think of this study on phthalates during pregnancy?
Featured image by Vinayak Chavan via Pexels.
