The Truth About Phthalates: Why It’s Time to Detox Your Hair Care Routine

At Tabitha JK, we believe your hair care rituals shouldn’t come at the cost of your health—or the planet. That’s why we’re proudly certified organic by the Soil Association and free from phthalates.

But what exactly are phthalates? And why should you care?

What Are Phthalates—and Why Should You Avoid Them?

Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are a group of synthetic chemicals - specifically a type of plasticizer, used to make plastics soft & flexible and fragrances last longer. They’ve been in commercial use since the 1930s and can be found in everything from plastic shower curtains to cosmetics, air fresheners, and yes—even your shampoo.

Phthalates are used in hair care products mainly for three reasons:

To Stabilize Synthetic Fragrances
Phthalates—especially diethyl phthalate (DEP)—are commonly added to fragrance blends to make scents last longer. They act as fixatives, preventing the fragrance from evaporating too quickly so your shampoo or conditioner smells "fresh" for hours after use.
To Improve Texture and Spreadability
Phthalates can help give products a smoother, more luxurious feel. They make the formula glide more easily through the hair and across the scalp, which can create the illusion of better performance. You are literally coating your hair in liquid plastic, which gives you the illusion of silky, smooth hair.
To Enhance Adhesion
Some phthalates help hair products "stick" to the hair shaft or scalp, which prolongs the product’s effects—whether it's a scent, sheen, or smoothing agent.

Phthalates are known Hormone Disruptors:

Phthalates can interfere with your hormones—even in tiny amounts. Once absorbed through the scalp or skin, phthalates don’t just wash away; they can enter the bloodstream and act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s natural hormone systems. Research has shown that even low-level exposure can disrupt estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormone activity, affecting everything from mood and metabolism to reproductive health and immune function.

Studies have linked phthalates to reduced fertility, pregnancy complications, developmental issues in children, metabolic disorders, and even increased risks of hormone-sensitive cancers. One 2018 review published in Environmental Research found consistent associations between phthalate exposure and changes in reproductive hormone levels and sperm quality, while another study in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology highlighted links to insulin resistance and obesity. Despite growing awareness, phthalates still hide in many hair products—often under vague labels like “fragrance.” At Tabitha JK, we’ve chosen a different path. We believe in protecting your health as fiercely as we protect the planet—by formulating without phthalates, and with full transparency.

💇♀️ Do Phthalates Damage Hair?

Yes, they absolutely can—both directly and indirectly.

Phthalates aren’t nourishing. They don’t condition or protect your hair. In fact, they’re often packaged alongside harsh detergents, sulfates, and synthetic fillers that:

Strip your hair of its natural oils
Disrupt the scalp's microbiome
Cause inflammation and sensitivity
Leave your hair dependent on more and more product

That "shiny, silky" feeling after using conventional shampoo or conditioner? Often a superficial coat of synthetic plastic or silicone—not real, lasting health. Over time, this can lead to:

Brittleness
Dullness
Excess oil at the roots
Dry, frizzy ends
Increased breakage and hair fall

How to Spot Phthalates in Your Products

Unfortunately, phthalates don’t often appear by name on ingredient lists. Instead, they hide under acronyms like:

DEP (Diethyl phthalate) – often in perfumes and hair products
DBP (Dibutyl phthalate) – common in nail polish
DEHP (Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) – used in flexible plastics

And if you spot the words “fragrance” or “parfum” without further detail, it’s likely phthalates are part of the blend. This lack of transparency is exactly what motivated TJK to be different.

The TJK Difference: Certified Organic, Phthalate-Free, and Powerful

At TJK, we don’t just avoid phthalates—we champion potent naturals. Our 100% natural ingredients are carefully selected for their performance, purity, and wellness benefits.

✔ Certified Organic (Soil Association & Cosmos Certified)
✔ No synthetic fragrance, parabens, sulphates, silicones, or microplastics
✔ Formulated with integrity, transparency, and respect for your body and the planet

“After 30 years of working with hair, I know it performs best when it’s nurtured by nature.” – Tabitha James Kraan

Our founder’s journey began with a simple but profound realisation: what we put on our hair and scalp goes straight into our bloodstream. That’s why every product in our line—from our award-winning Hair Cleanser to our multi-use Scented Organic Hair Oil—is designed to detox your routine and deliver better results.

Why Certified Organic = Better Results

Going organic isn’t just about what we leave out—it’s about what we put in. Organic ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, preserving their full nutritional value. That means our formulations are:

🌱 More potent
🌱 More bioavailable
🌱 More effective

When you remove the synthetic buildup left behind by conventional hair products (including phthalates), your hair can finally breathe—and thrive.

🌿 The Natural Solution: Detox + Rebalance

That’s why at Tabitha JK, we’ve said absolutely no to phthalates since day one. We believe in restoring your hair to its natural, thriving state—not covering it with chemicals that slowly sabotage it.

Our certified organic, phthalate-free products work in harmony with your scalp’s biology, supporting:

Oil balancing (so your hair gets less greasy, naturally)
Correct cleansing (without harsh detergents)
Moisture layering (to hydrate and protect every strand)

When you remove synthetic disruptors like phthalates, your hair can finally reset—finding its bounce, shine, softness and manageability again.

Join the Slow Hair Movement

Ready to fall in love with your hair again—phthalate-free?

🔗 Shop Our Range
🔎 Find a TJK Salon Near You
♻️ [Order Your Refills]

Because you’re always one decision away from a different hair journey. Let’s untangle a century of damage—together.

#NurturedByNature | #RewildYourHair | #PhthalateFreeBeauty

Let us know in the comments: Have you checked your products for phthalates? What changes are you making in your beauty routine?