Are There Phthalates in Fragrance?

Sometimes, and the label usually will not say. The FDA says phthalates function as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes and other fragrance preparations, and US regulations let fragrance ingredients be listed simply as fragrance, so a shopper may not be able to tell from the label whether phthalates are present.

According to the FDA, the phthalate most commonly used in fragrance is diethyl phthalate, or DEP, and the agency’s position is that DEP does not pose known risks for human health as currently used in cosmetics and fragrances. An FDA survey published in 2010 found DEP above 10 micrograms per gram in fragrances among the adult products it tested.

A 2012 Silent Spring Institute study found that fragranced products, including air fresheners, dryer sheets and perfume, along with sunscreens, had the largest number of the chemicals it tested for and some of the highest concentrations. The FDA also lists nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, cleansers and shampoos as cosmetics that may contain phthalates.

Sources checked September 15, 2026. Every point below links the page it came from.

The sources behind this answer

  • Government sourceThe FDA says phthalates function as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes and other fragrance preparations, and that nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, cleansers and shampoos may contain phthalates. US FDA ↗
  • Government sourceThe FDA says regulations do not require individual fragrance ingredients to be listed, so a consumer may not be able to tell from the label whether phthalates are present in a fragrance. US FDA ↗
  • Government sourceThe FDA says cosmetics sold at retail must list their ingredients, but under US regulations fragrance and flavor ingredients can be listed simply as Fragrance or Flavor. US FDA ↗
  • Government sourceThe FDA says the phthalate commonly used in fragrance products is diethyl phthalate, or DEP, and that DEP does not pose known risks for human health as it is currently used in cosmetics and fragrances. US FDA ↗
  • Government sourceIn an FDA survey published in 2010, concentrations of DEP above 10 micrograms per gram were found in fragrances among the adult-use cosmetic products tested. US FDA ↗
  • StudyA 2012 Silent Spring Institute study found that fragranced products, including air fresheners, dryer sheets and perfume, and sunscreens had the largest number of the target chemicals and some of the highest concentrations. Silent Spring Institute ↗

Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.

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