Europe leads the way - look for the label

The European Union Cosmetics Directive bans the use of chemicals that are known or suspected of causing cancer, reproductive scrambling and birth defects.
Hmm you're thinking already.. if a US company wants to sell in both the US and Europe we'll end up with safe products right? Not necessarily, since we export many chemicals that are banned for use in the US, turnabout is fair play. We also have US companies creating a EU version and a more toxic US version. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has a compact of companies who agree to apply these EU Cosmetic Directive principles worldwide. The world’s largest cosmetics companies, including L'Oréal, Revlon, Estée Lauder, Gap, Avon, OPI and Proctor & Gamble have refused to sign the Compact (as of 2007).
Read your labels and look for EU Cosmetic Directive Compliant

What are phthalates?

The problem..
Phthalates are chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system. This means they can cause cancer, sterility and developmental problems. The most worrisome aspect by far is the phthalates' effect on the reproductive development of fetuses and infants.
Why are they used?
When manufactures produce plastics they add chemicals to increase flexibility so that they can create medical tubing, toys, and construction products. Phthalates are one group of these chemicals, called plasticizers, that also are used in beauty products to increase texture and add lustre. Phthalates have been used for so many years in manufacturing that they are found in virtually all corners of the globe and recent testing shows that they are present in humans.
The Outrage
The FDA does not regulate phthalates in beauty products so manufacturers are not required to list them as ingredients. They are often lurking under the generic term of "fragrance" . If you use multiple personal care products your exposures add up. Teenage girls have the highest use of phthalate laden beauty products as they use, on average, 17 products a day.