Something Smells: Children’s Perfume Makers Failing To Report Phthalates In Products

Today, we released a new report Something Smells: What Tween Perfume Makers Should Tell You, But Don’t.  Not so surprising to us was that we found that some children’s perfume and body sprays contain hormone-disrupting phthalates.  

If that wasn’t bad enough, we also found that some of the makers of these products, including big names like Disney, American Eagle, and Claire’s, aren’t complying with a new Washington state law that requires them to report the presence of these chemicals to the Department of Ecology and the public.  

The new reporting law is in place so parents and policymakers can know where chemicals harmful to kids are used.  If the companies aren’t reporting, we’re all left in the dark, and more importantly, our kids are unknowingly exposed to toxic chemicals.

We sent letters to the five companies we identified as not reporting and only heard back from Elizabeth Arden, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Claire’s.  Disney and American Eagle Outfitters didn’t respond.  For those who did respond, they maintain they don’t need to report under the law because their products aren’t intended for kids under 12.  

Really?  None of the packaging for these products limits their use to kids over 12 and each brand clearly markets to the highly-prized tween market. We think these product makers have a duty to come clean with consumers and with Washington State regulators.

That's why we're asking the Department of Ecology to take enforcement action against those companies not complying with the law.  You can add your name to the letter here.

Testing results are available here.

The press release is available here.

Tips for avoiding phthalates are available here.