In August 2017 researchers from the USA and Denmark published the results of their study to assess the association between personal care product use and levels of phthalates and parabens in men. A total of 400 men were included in the study. Urinary concentrations of 9 phthalates and methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben were analysed in 1,037 urine samples (2-3 samples per individual). Results showed that the largest percent increase in monoethyl phthalate was associated with use of cologne/aftershave (83%) and deodorant (74%). In contrast, the largest percent increase for parabens was associated with the use of suntan/sunblock lotion (66-156%) and hand/body lotion (79-147%). Increases in monoethyl phthalate and parabens were generally greater if the personal care product had been used up to 6 hours before urine collection. 10 specific personal care products that were used up to 6 hours before urine contributed to at least 70% of the level of monoethyl phthalate and paraben concentration. The association between personal care product use and concentrations of the other phthalates was not statistically significant.
Nassan FL et al. Personal Care Product Use in Men and Urinary Concentrations of Select Phthalate Metabolites and Parabens: Results from the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study. Environ Health Perspect. 2017 Aug 18;125(8):087012