TOWIE girls watch out! Women who use nail varnish and hairspray 'may have higher risk of diabetes' 
 
 
 
 Personal care products often contain phthalates, which can mimic human hormones 
 
 Towie star Sam Faiers: Fake tan, hairspray and perfume all contain phthalates 
 
 High-maintenance women who cover themselves in self-tan and hair spray may be at higher risk of developing diabetes, researchers say. 
 
 A team f rom Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston said they had found a link between phthalates - a class of chemicals found in these products - and the metabolic disease. 
 
 They found that women who had the highest concentrations of the chemicals in their bodies had up to double the risk of developing diabetes compared to those with the lowest concentrations. 
 
 They also found a link between high concentrations of phthalates and insulin resistance among women - which is often a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. 
 
 
 
 Phthalates are a group of man-made chemicals found in a range of personal care products, including nail varnish, shampoos and soaps. They are also found in plastics and packaging. They can mimic the body's natural hormones. 
 
 The researchers analysed information from of 2,350 American women aged 20 to 80 who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2001 and 2008. 
 
 
 
 As part of the survey, participants underwent physical exams and provided urine samples and 217 reported having diabetes. 
 
 Women who had the highest levels of two chemicals - mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-isobutyl phthalate - in their urine samples were nearly twice as likely to have diabetes as women with the lowest levels of those chemicals, the study found. 
 
 People with diabetes must check their blood glucose levels regularly 
 
 Women with moderately high levels of the chemicals mono-n-butyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate had approximately a 70 per cent increased risk of diabetes. These findings held even when other risk-factors were taken into account, such as how many calories the women consumed. 
 
 However, the researchers said that their results were preliminary and other sources of phthalates exist outside of cosmetics. 
 
 What is more the study surveyed participants at only one point in time and so further research is required. 
 
 Writing in Environmental Health Perspectives, t he researchers said it was possible that the chemicals increased the risk of diabetes indirectly by interfering with the metabolism of fat tissue, as this can lead to insulin resistance. 
 
 The latest study joins a growing body of research highlighting health concerns about phthalates. 
 
 Nail varnish: Dibutyl phthalate was banned from European cosmetics in 2003 but not in the U.S ||||| Phthalates and Cosmetic Products 
 
 What are phthalates? 
 
 Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in hundreds of products, such as toys, vinyl flooring and wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, blood bags and tubing, and personal care products, such as nail polish, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, soaps, shampoos, perfumes and other fragrance preparations. 
 
 How phthalates have been used in cosmetics 
 
 Historically, the primary phthalates used in cosmetic products have been dibutylphthalate (DBP), used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes (to reduce cracking by making them less brittle); dimethylphthalate (DMP), used in hair sprays (to help avoid stiffness by allowing them to form a flexible film on the hair); and diethylphthalate (DEP), used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances. According to FDA's latest survey of cosmetics, conducted in 2010, however, DBP and DMP are now used rarely. DEP is the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetics. 
 
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 Phthalates and human health 
 
 It's not clear what effect, if any, phthalates have on human health. An expert panel convened from 1998 to 2000 by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), part of the National Institute for Environmental Safety and Health, concluded that reproductive risks from exposure to phthalates were minimal to negligible in most cases. 
 
 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report on March 21, 2001, titled "National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals." The report described a survey of a small segment of the U.S. population for environmental chemicals in urine. One group of chemicals surveyed was phthalates. However, the CDC survey was not intended to make an association between the presence of environmental chemicals in human urine and disease, but rather to learn more about the extent of human exposure to industrial chemicals. 
 
 In 2002, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reaffirmed its original conclusion (reached in 1985), finding that DBP, DMP, and DEP were safe as used in cosmetic products. (See “Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments 2002/2003,” International Journal of Toxicology (Supplement 1), 1-102, 2005.) Looking at maximum known concentrations of these ingredients in cosmetics, the panel evaluated phthalate exposure and toxicity data, and conducted a safety assessment for dibutylphthalate in cosmetic products. The panel found that exposures to phthalates from cosmetics were low compared to levels that would cause adverse effects in animals. (The CIR is an industry-sponsored organization that reviews cosmetic ingredient safety and publishes its results in open, peer-reviewed literature. FDA participates in CIR on a non-voting basis and may or may not accept CIR findings.) 
 
 FDA reviewed the safety and toxicity data for phthalates, including the CDC data from 2001, as well as the CIR conclusions based on reviews in 1985 and 2002. While the CDC report noted elevated levels of phthalates excreted by women of child-bearing age, neither this report nor the other data reviewed by FDA established an association between the use of phthalates in cosmetic products and a health risk. Based on this information, FDA determined that there wasn’t a sound, scientific basis to support taking regulatory action against cosmetics containing phthalates. 
 
 How FDA has followed up 
 
 FDA continues to monitor levels of phthalates in cosmetic products. We have developed an analytical method for determining the levels of phthalates in cosmetic products and conducted surveys of products to determine these levels in cosmetics on the market. 
 
 FDA published this analytical method and results of our 2004 survey in the article,“Analysis of Consumer Cosmetic Products for Phthalate Esters,” (J.C. Hubinger and D.C. Havery, Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006, vol. 57, pp. 127-137. We conducted a second survey in 2006. Results were published in the article, “A Survey of Phthalate Esters in Consumer Cosmetic Products," (PDF 488 KB) (J.C. Hubinger, Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010, vol. 61, no. 6, pp. 457-465). Results of a third survey, concluded in 2010, are shown below in the table, Laboratory Survey of Cosmetics Products for Phthalate Esters. We learned from these surveys that use of phthalates in cosmetics decreased considerably from 2004 to 2010. 
 
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 What we know about infant exposure to phthalates 
 
 Infants, like all consumers, are exposed daily to phthalates from a number of sources, including air, drugs, food, plastics, water, and cosmetics. 
 
 The American Academy of Pediatrics has published an article stating that infants exposed to infant care products, specifically baby shampoos, baby lotions, and baby powder, showed increased levels of phthalate metabolites in their urine (see “Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure,” S. Sathyanarayana, Pediatrics, 2008, vol. 121, pp. 260-268). 
 
 Like the CDC report, this study did not establish an association between these findings and any health effects. In addition, levels of phthalates, if any, in the infant care products were not determined. 
 
 FDA included 24 children’s products intended for infants and children in the survey we completed in 2006, and nearly 50 products for infants and children in the survey we completed in 2010. What we learned was that the use of phthalates in cosmetics intended for people of all ages, including infants and children, has decreased considerably since our surveys began in 2004. 
 
 How to know if there are phthalates in the cosmetics you use 
 
 Under the authority of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), FDA requires an ingredient declaration on cosmetic products sold at the retail level to consumers. Consumers can tell whether some products contain phthalates by reading the ingredient declaration on the labels of such products. 
 
 However, the regulations do not require the listing of the individual fragrance ingredients; therefore, the consumer will not be able to determine from the ingredient declaration if phthalates are present in a fragrance. Also, because the FPLA does not apply to products used exclusively by professionals--for example, in salons--the requirement for an ingredient declaration does not apply to these products. Based on available safety information, DEP does not pose known risks for human health as it is currently used in cosmetics and fragrances. Consumers who nevertheless do not want to purchase cosmetics containing DEP may wish to choose products that do not include "Fragrance" in the ingredient listing. 
 
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 FDA's role 
 
 Under the law, cosmetic products and ingredients, with the exception of color additives, are not subject to FDA approval before they go on the market. FDA can take action against unsafe cosmetics that are on the market, but only if we have dependable scientific evidence showing that a product or ingredient is unsafe for consumers under labeled or customary conditions of use. 
 
 At the present time, FDA does not have evidence that phthalates as used in cosmetics pose a safety risk. If we determine that a health hazard exists, we will advise the industry and the public, and will take action within the scope of our authority under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in protecting the health and welfare of consumers. 
 
 For related information, see FDA Authority Over Cosmetics and How FDA Evaluates Regulated Products: Cosmetics. 
 
 Results of FDA's 2010 Survey of Cosmetics for Phthalate Content 
 
 The products listed below represent a sample of cosmetics on the market at the time the survey was conducted, and products may have been reformulated since then. This survey was intended to monitor trends in the use of phthalates in cosmetics, not as a comprehensive analysis of all cosmetics on the market. The law does not require cosmetic firms to file their formulations with FDA. Also, please note that some so-called "personal care products," such as diaper creams and nipple creams, are regulated as drugs, or in some cases both cosmetics and drugs. (See "Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?)") 
 
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 2010 Survey of Cosmetics for Phthalate Content Product Type Brand Lot # Phthalates (ppm) DMP DEP DBP Nail Polish Pure Ice - Spit Fire 991CP Dora the Explorer Mega Nail Polish Kit - Townley WO90817 Scherer Nail Polish CQ #143 Cabernet Not visible Rimmel Lycra Wear 10 Days Nail Polish #303 Vintage 732318 In a New York Color Minute 224B 8MBCK Sally Hansen Diamond Strength #45 Fuchsia 8MSHK Hard Candy Just Nails (Glitter) 9226 Petites Pink Crush 270 – CQ Not visible Revlon Nail Enamel Red Hot Tamale 908 Not visible Maybelline Express Finish Grape Times 608 WF224 Nicole by OPI Razzle Dazzler 09295AAG Scherer Nail Polish CQ #107 Crystal Clear Not visible LA Colors Nail Lacquer Red Stilettos CBLQ 389 Not visible LA Colors Art Deco Polish Silver Glitter CBNA 502 Not visible LA Colors Nail Hardener-Strengthener 9796 Hot Topic Nail Polish Black Not visible Hot Topic Nail Polish Green Not visible Hot Topic Nail Polish Purple Not visible Hot Topic Nail Polish (Skull) Green Not visible 4,800 Hot Topic Nail Polish (Skull) Black Not visible 4.4 Hot Topic Nail Polish (Skull) Yellow Not visible 4 Simple Pleasures Nail Polish "Peace" (Glitter) Not visible Simple Pleasures Nail Polish "Love" (Pink) Not visible WetnWild Wild Shine 410A 918201 Sinful Colors Professional Nail Polish Enamel Pinky Glitter 830 Not visible Sinful Colors Under 18 Not visible Borghese Nail Lacquer Vernis Botticelli Nude 6KXJKC 3.4 Sally Hansen High Definition 04 (Green) 9MHYK Cover Girl Boundless Base Coat Nail Color Red Revolution 553 7239HV Cover Girl Boundless Base Coat Nail Color Gold Rush 415 9139HV Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Hot Magenta 03 6MTXK Sally Hansen Salon Lacquer Nail Polish Orange You Cute? 450 8JFDK 6.6 Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Rose-a-go-go 06 AKVDKN Sally Hansen Diamond Strength 33 Champagne Toast 8M8OK Avon Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel Polish Midnight Plum VEK19 Skin Cream and Lotion Red Velvet Body Lotion - Gift Pack H8920109 Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash with NutrimMoisture 10079PP23S Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Crème with Dry Skin Therapy 90125515 Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion 1129LK Vaseline Sheer Infusion Vitamin Burst Body Lotion 08149UM42 Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated Cream N9215A Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer Y225106ZZA Ponds Dry Skin Cream 08289HU87 Dollar General Guarantee Skin Rescue Moisture Lock Lotion C9A129 Noxzema The Original Deep Cleansing Cream with Eucalyptus Oil Rubbed out Suave Powder Fresh Body Lotion 10289JU41 Celine Dion Sensational Shimmering Body Lotion 92251 Scentsations by Body Source Cherry Blossom Body Lotion M9290AL18 Walgreens Advanced Care (Fragrance Free) 0401609 Curel Continuous Comfort Original Formula Moisturizer X140106ZZA Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion, Normal to Dry Skin, Fragrance Free 0118C Nivea Soft Refreshingly Soft Moisturizing Crème 73729160 100 Bath, Body, etc… Organic Soothing Aloe Vera Body Lotion 29473 260 J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary Hand & Body Lotion 0374579 Jergens Original Scent Cherry-Almond Moisturizer W106125ZZ 110 Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil Rubbed out St. Ives Hydrating Vitamin E Advanced Body Moisturizer 09327021103 Vaseline for Men Hand Lotion 05279HU09 Corn Huskers Heavy Duty Oil-Free Hand Treatment Lotion 2969G Malibu Hemp Moisturizer Body Lotion for Dry Skin 5434 Keri Original Dry Skin Lotion 23654901 Avon Haiku Perfumed Skin Softener MK091 Avon Jet Femme Body Lotion MLP81 Avon Candid Perfumed Skin Softener MAN91 Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive Extra Strength Cream MIV91 Fragrance Dove Go Fresh Body Mist 090495U49 Jovan Island Gardenia Cologne Spray 9218 14,000 Love’s Baby Soft Cologne Spray 0906D48 A Little Sexy Body Spray by Parfums de Coeur 09324 Axe Instinct Body Spray 03119KK09 Curve Crush Body Mist 9JA02 Bodycology Sweet Petals Body Mist S9J27AK Cotton Candy Body Spray Prince Matchabelli 09267 Degree Classic Romance Body Mist 4068 Hannah Montana Cologne Spray 3169Y Wanna Play Body Spray Parfums de Coeur 09294 3,800 Chantilly - Walmart Gift Pack 090723A 7,300 Tabu - Walmart Gift Pack 090721A 6,200 Heaven Sent - Walmart Gift Pack 090622B 1,300 Navy - Walmart Gift Pack 090722C 40,000 English Leather - Walmart Gift Pack 090721A 3,900 British Sterling - Walmart Gift Pack 090526A 480 Canoe - Walmart Gift Pack 0907248 2,000 English Leather Black - Walmart Gift Pack 0907916 Johnson's Baby Cologne 1919COB128135 Barbasol After Shave Pacific Rush 60161 Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue R09K174 760 Tattooed by Inky Not visible BOD Really Ripped Abs 8TZ60 6,200 i Carly 168961B Baby Cream and Lotion Johnson's Baby Lotion 2519T Dollar General Sleepy Time Baby Lotion 8KF1025 Baby Avalon Organics Protective A,D & E Ointment 6H01 Huggies Naturally Refreshing (Green Tea & Cucumber) Lotion CU6287282 Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion 9237 Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion 0850801 Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream 0209D Parent's Choice Baby Lotion 0034311 Johnson's Bedtime Lotion 1759G Johnson's Head-to-Toe Fragrance Free Baby Lotion 0049LK Johnson's Shea and Cocoa Butter Baby Cream 0069VB Susan Brown's Baby Sensitive Baby Lotion-to-powder 10577A California Baby Calming Everyday Lotion CB9303A2 Deodorant Brut 24-Hour Protection deodorant 11029TR53 22 Tom's of Maine Natural Care Lavender Deodorant Stick LD1370 Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant 9307TN Axe Fresh Action Essence Deodorant 08129UR16 Degree Men Deodorant Silver Ion Intense Sport 11209UR39 2.9 Speed Stick Ocean Surf Deodorant 9270502 Personal Care Clear Stick Deodorant 08123A Kiss My Face Active Enzyme Lavender Deodorant KO73008B Dove Powder Invisible Solid 09229UR86 Secret Powder Fresh 9068TN 34 Hair Products Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee Firm Hold C8200 Garnier Fructis Style Body Boost Volumizing Gel 48F6030 TRESemmé No Frizz Shine Spray 09308TA20SDSIL2506 22 Suave Professionals Styling Foam Extra Hold 11129KK61 52 Rave 4X Mega Unscented Hair Spray 11199HU63 16 White Rain Unscented Extra Hold Hair Spray 287CP3475403SDSIL15001 61 Short Sexy Hair Quick Change Shaping Balm 09219 American Crew Forming Cream F952CIOC 50 Dep Sport Endurance Styling Gel R2029932A2 6.8 TRESemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray 09313AA1416 37 John Frieda Collection Frizz-Ease Mousse Y223DK17DDT2Q Aussi Catch the Wave Mousse & Conditioner 92755398F Catwalk Extra Strong Mousse 233748783122142 23 Johnson's No More Tangles Detangling Spray 0489VA Manic Panic Amplified Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream 10922 Color Fiend Blood Red Temporary Comb-In Color RN0709 Color Fiend Pink Pop Water Based Semi-Permanent Hair Color Not visible Shampoo Johnson's Baby Shampoo 2118T Suave Kids 2 in 1 Shampoo Smoothers Cowabunga Coconut 081491J18 Ave Dual 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner 01139TJ27 17 Pantene Pro-v Moisture Renewal Hydration Quotidienne Shampoo 93005401E1 Aveeno Baby Essential Moisture Shampoo 0099VA Big Sexy Hair Big Volume Shampoo 09205150 210 Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo Color Shield EF036 Dove Intense Damage Therapy Shampoo 08299JU39 VO5 Normal Balancing Shampoo 09316020758 440 Suave Professionals Sleek Shampoo 07109JU41 Finesse Self Adjusting Moisturizing Shampoo 9234M Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo 93145395LF TRESemmé Smooth and Silky Touchable Softness 09231C1130 Advance Techniques Color Reviving Shampoo MK191 82 Avon High School Musical Raspberry Roarin’ 2-in-1 Shampoo MKW91 Body Wash Caress Daily Silk Silkening Body Wash 10159UR022010 Equate Tropical Fresh Body Wash with Exfoliating Pomegranate Seed A50298-9328C1 Caress Tahitian Renewal Silkening Body Wash 08069TJ37 Olay Body Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter Body Wash 92595395WA Suave Naturals Cucumber Melon Rejuvenating Body Wash 11109J038 Suave Men Body Wash Active Sport 09169CU05 10 White Rain All Day Moisturizing Body Wash 093203 Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Body Wash 03049PP05 Natural Concepts Sensitive Skin Body Wash A48292926583 340 Dial Clean and Soft Moisturizing Body Wash Q89M0310806091102 St. Ives Renewing Collagen Elastin Moisturizing Body Wash 09345181020141 Natural Concepts Natural Blends Body Wash Violet & Pea A40128-8353C1 Avon Naturals Strawberry & Guava Shower Gel Rubbed out Avon Bubble Bath Bain-mousse Vanilla Cream for Dry Skin MLK91 High School Musical Strawberry Sudsin’ Body Wash MLC91 Nipple Cream Lansinoh HPA Lanolin for Breastfeeding Mothers 39982 Gerber Breast Therapy Moisturizing Balm BK07A02UU Children's Makeup Kiss Me 2 Gift Pack Blush - Markwins Kiss Me 2 Gift Pack Eye Shadow - Markwins 1090075 Hard Candy in the Shadows Eye Shadow Collection 9260 Claire's Cosmetics Eye Shadow 11/09 Claire's Cosmetics Eye Glitter DR911333 Diaper Cream Butt Butter Organics Herbal Diaper Rash Treatment 31823 Burts Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment 1070801 Baby’s Bliss Diaper Cream 1386 130 Lavera Baby & Kinder Neutral 2897 Weleda Baby Calendula Baby Cream 902212 Wet Wipes Pull-ups Flushable Moist Wipes MK929202A Equate Flushable Wipes All Purpose 09295D209651416 Pure'n Gentle Fragrance Free Wipes 09272C230400512 Huggies Soft Skin Baby Wipes MK914804A My Fair Baby Baby Wipes 38091679169 Infant Soap, Shampoo, Body Wash Johnson's Head to Toe Baby Wash Rubbed out Body Sense Baby Wash with Shea & Cocoa butter OU28781 My Fair Baby Baby Wash with Camomile 608015001/A2 60 Burts Bees Baby Bees Shampoo and Wash 2280801 Avon Bubble Bath Bain-mousse for Kids MKY91 Aubrey Organics - Natural Baby & Kids Bath Soap 11249 Baby Oil Johnson's Baby Oil 2339G Equate Delicate Baby Oil 0031646 Burt's Bees Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil 0460801 Face & Body Paint Claire's Cosmetics Body Glitter 07/09 Claire's Cosmetics Vanilla Glitter Body Mist 0929301 390 Alex Face Paint Studio - Face Paint 9012LP Snazaroo Face Painting Kit T190803 Glitter Gel Hard Candy Glitteratzi Eye Glitter Gel 9301 Claire's Club Scented Body Glitter 4926 167 Alex Face Paint Studio - Pink Glitter Gel 9B2351 Baby Powder Johnson's Baby Powder 2528RA Body Sense Baby Powder 9DG0797 Burt's Bees Baby Bee Dusting Powder Not visible 
 
 April 19, 2001; Updated March 31, 2005, February 7, 2008, and December 5, 2013 
 
 back to top ||||| Phthalates, called “plasticizers,” are a group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible or resilient and also as solvents. Phthalates are nearly ubiquitous in modern society, found in, among other things, toys, food packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wall coverings, lubricants, adhesives, detergents, nail polish, hair spray and shampoo. 
 
 Phthalates have been found to disrupt the endocrine system. Several phthalate compounds have caused reduced sperm counts, testicular atrophy and structural abnormalities in the reproductive systems of male test animals, and some studies also link phthalates to liver cancer, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s 2005 National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. Though the CDC contends the health hazards of phthalates to humans have not been definitively established, for some years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has regulated phthalates as water and air pollutants. 
 
 The Environmental Working Group has focused on phthalates since 1998, when EWG reported that dibutyl phthalate found in 37 nail polishes was also present in the bodies of every single American tested. A 2000 EWG analysis of CDC data, called Beauty Secrets, found that dibutyl phthalate was present in the bodies of every single person tested for industrial pollutants. 
 
 In 2003, EWG published its seminal Body Burden study, finding 210 industrial and consumer product chemical, among them, a half-dozen phthalates, in nine adult Americans who had agreed to submit their blood and urine to laboratory analysis. In 2007 EWG published a Parents Buying Guide, a safety guide to help parents find children’s personal care products that are free of phthalates and other potentially dangerous chemicals. 
 
 In July 2008, as a result of pressure from EWG and other health groups, the U.S. Congress passed legislation banning six phthalates from children’s toys and cosmetics. Legislators in Washington, Vermont and California have restricted phthalate use in children’s goods, and several major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us, Lego, Evenflo and Gerber say they will phase out phthalate-laden toys. 
 
 EWG advocates a cumulative assessment of the human health risks, especially to infants, of phthalates. As well, EWG is working for passage of a new federal Kid-Safe Chemicals Act to reform the nation’s toxic chemical law to assure that chemicals are safe for babies, children and other vulnerable groups before they are allowed on the market.
– Bad news for the well manicured: If the cosmetics you slather yourself with contain phthalates, you may be more likely to get type 2 diabetes. A new study finds a link between the man-made chemicals—which can mimic human hormones and are found in everything from nail polish to shampoo to hairspray—and the disease. Women ages 20 to 80 were studied, and those whose urine contained the highest concentration of the chemicals were almost twice as likely to have diabetes as those with the lowest concentrations. Even those with moderately high levels had an increased risk of about 70%, the Daily Mail reports. Researchers hypothesize that phthalates might mess with the metabolism of fat tissue, thus leading to insulin resistance, often a precursor to diabetes. But your self-tanner and moisturizer may not be doing all the damage: The researchers did note that phthalates aren't exclusively used in cosmetics; you'll find them in everything from vinyl flooring to food packaging to toys. You can tell if your favorite soap contains phthalates by reading the label's ingredients list.