Dibutyl
Phthalate
An industrial chemical that is used as a plasticiser and commonly found in perfume,
nail varnish and hair spray. It is known to cause reproductive damage and birth
defects in animals and some researchers are concerned about a link between long
term exposure of dibutyl phthalate to increases in breast cancer, testicular
cancer, hormone disruption and low sperm counts. Currently, Phthalates are recognised
as toxic substances under Environmental Law but there are no regulations in
place for
cosmetic companies who are able to use unlimited amounts in their products.