11 Apr 2026
Plastic chemicals cheat sheet:
- BPA and phthalates are chemicals sometimes used in plastics
- Some have raised health concerns, particularly around hormones
- Not all phthalates behave the same
- Many are now restricted or tightly regulated
- Exposure levels matter as much as presence
- Reducing unnecessary plastic and additives can help
- Small swaps can lower exposure without going extreme
If you’ve been wondering about microplastics or embarking on a “plastic detox”, you’ll probably have seen two names crop up again and again: BPA and phthalates.
So what actually are they?
And should you be worried about them? Let’s break it down.
What is BPA?
BPA stands for Bisphenol A.
It’s a chemical that’s used to make:
- Hard plastics
- Food container linings
- Certain coatings
It helps plastics to stay strong and durable.
Some research suggests that BPA can interact with our hormones¹, which is why:
- It has been banned for use in baby bottles in the UK and EU
- Many brands now avoid it in packaging
That’s why you’ll often see products labelled BPA-free. Many modern cleaning product packaging materials, including those used by smol, don’t use BPA.
What are phthalates?
Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are a group of chemicals used to:
- Make plastics more flexible
- Help fragrances last longer
- Stabilise formulations
Phthalates aren’t just one chemical but are in fact a family of different substances, which don’t all behave the same.
Not all phthalates are the same.
Some phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption in studies and these are now restricted or banned for many uses in the UK and EU.²
Others are still allowed and used in controlled amounts.
Why are people trying to avoid BPA and phthalates?
There is now an increased awareness around hormone-related chemicals with more research being undertaken into long-term exposure.
It is leading to a growing interest in simplifying formulations and sparking wider conversations around plastics and microplastics. It doesn’t mean everyday exposure is automatically bad but it has encouraged brands to review their ingredient choices more carefully.
Exposure matters.
One important point around these chemicals that is often missed is that the risk depends on dose and exposure, not just whether something exists.
Our focus should be not to panic, but to reduce unnecessary exposure where possible.
It’s not just about ingredients.
When people talk about avoiding “plastic chemicals”, they often focus on formulations. But the bigger impact often comes from:
- Reducing plastic packaging
- Choosing refill systems
- Using bottles-for-life
- Switching to concentrated products
Using less plastic overall reduces our potential exposure and waste at the same time.
Plastic chemical FAQs.
What is BPA?
BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical that was used in some plastics and coatings. Its use has been restricted due to concerns about hormone interaction.
What are phthalates?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics flexible and help stabilise fragrances. They are a set of chemicals, not a single ingredient.
Are all phthalates harmful?
No. Some phthalates are restricted due to health concerns, while others are still permitted in regulated amounts.
Should I avoid BPA and phthalates completely?
It’s not necessary to eliminate them entirely. Many people simply choose to reduce unnecessary exposure where practical.
Are plastic chemicals the same as microplastics?
No. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles. BPA and phthalates are chemicals sometimes used in plastic or formulations.
What’s the easiest way to reduce exposure?
Using refillable products, reducing single-use plastics, and choosing concentrated formulas (hello smol!) can all help lower overall plastic use.
¹ European Food Safety Authority, BPA risk assessment
² UK REACH regulation on restricted phthalates
Nay Gulsan, Regulatory & Compliance Manager
Nay is smol’s Regulatory Expert, specialising in regulations, safety, formulation and detergent science. She started her journey as a formulation chemist and has since conquered the technical field from toiletries, detergents and home fragrance. A nerdy know-it-all, passionate about doing the right thing, Nay is the expert in this space.
ABOUT OUR AUTHORS