Understanding Phthalates: The Invisible Toxins in Everyday Products

When “fragrance” hides more than scent.

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You may not have heard of phthalates, but chances are, you’ve used them—today, yesterday, and for years before that.

They’re among the most common hidden chemicals in personal care, found in everything from lotions to perfumes to shampoos. You won’t usually see them listed on labels. Instead, they hide behind one word: “fragrance.”

At fRiD, we think you deserve to know what that word really means—and why we’ve left it behind.

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What Are Phthalates?

Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are a group of chemicals used to:

• Make scents last longer

• Soften plastics in packaging

• Stabilize formulas in personal care products

They’re used widely because they’re cheap and effective. But they come with serious concerns—especially when used every day.

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Why We’re Concerned

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the body’s hormone system.

Some have been linked to:

• Fertility issues

• Birth defects

• Early puberty

• Asthma and allergies

• Altered reproductive development in children

The risks are especially concerning for pregnant women, babies, and young children—yet these are the very groups most commonly exposed.

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But Wait—They’re Not Even on the Label?

Here’s the issue: Phthalates often don’t appear by name.

They’re typically bundled under the vague term “fragrance” or “parfum,” which is protected as a trade secret in many countries—even if the formulation includes harmful substances.

That means brands can legally include phthalates in your body wash or facial cleanser without ever disclosing them.

We believe that’s not just outdated—it’s unsafe.

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fRiD’s Fragrance-Free Approach

At fRiD, we’ve made a clear commitment:

• No synthetic fragrances

• No phthalates

• No ingredient hidden behind vague terms

When we use natural aroma blends in the future, they’ll be from whole essential oils, listed transparently and tested for sensitivity and safety.

Because scent should be a joy—not a risk.

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The Future Smells Safer

Clean shouldn’t mean guessing games.

When you choose fRiD, you can trust that every ingredient is there for a reason—and nothing harmful is hiding behind a pleasant smell.

We’re not just making better formulas.

We’re building trust, one ingredient at a time.