Common Plastics Chemical Might Boost Diabetes Risk

Phthalates, found in soaps, lotions and food packaging, may disrupt insulin production, researchers say

April 12, 2012 RSS Feed Print

That said, some of the names to look for in cosmetics, self-care products, solid air fresheners, and scented candles are: mono-methyl phthalate (MMP), mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), which are types of the chemicals dimethylphthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP). DMP is also used in ink and as a softening agent in plastics.

More information

For more information on phthalates in cosmetics, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.