Are Ethique products fragrance and phthalate free?

Let's start with a clear answer: Yes, Ethique products are completely phthalate free, and we use only essential oils and nature-identical fragrance oils. Now, let's dive into what this really means and address some common questions. 

The vast majority of Ethique products are formulated with essential oils. There are a few exceptions where the use of an essential oil to achieve a particular scent profile is actually not most sustainable option. In those limited examples, we use nature-identical fragrance oils. These mimic natural ingredients to achieve specific scent properties while minimizing the environmental impact associated with harvesting natural ingredients. And yes, they are absolutely phthalate free. 

We understand seeing 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on an ingredients list can raise questions. Many assume this means harsh ingredients or harmful chemicals like phthalates. However, this term is actually a generic term for any ingredient that produces a scent in a product and is a legal requirement on ingredient lists, whether the fragrance is natural or synthetic! 

So, what exactly are phthalates, and why do people worry about them? Phthalates are a large group of chemicals used in everything from construction materials to plastic, and yes, some of those can be hazardous to our health. Globally, there is only one phthalate used in some cosmetics now (according to FDA studies) - diethyl phthalate, which can be found in some fragrances. While this particular phthalate has a solid safety profile in cosmetics, we've chosen to keep all our products completely phthalate free. 

You might see scary articles about phthalates, particularly from beauty brands, often referencing types that have never been used in cosmetics. While most of us are exposed to phthalates regularly (mostly through food packaging), you won't find any in our products. 

This is a complex topic because phthalates are a large group of chemicals with varying properties and uses. What matters is that we've made the choice to keep our products phthalate free while using carefully selected, natural fragrances that align with our commitment to both quality and sustainability.