From the moment the idea behind Attn: Grace was born, we've set out to establish a new standard in incontinence care. This includes our unwavering commitment to using the cleanest, highest-performing, most sustainable ingredients possible, while still giving you the worry-free leak protection you deserve.
We’ve learned that sometimes the ingredients you don’t use are as important as the ones you do. So, in this next series, we’ll introduce our “Never-Evers” – ingredients commonly used in incontinence, feminine hygiene, and many other personal care products that are associated with significant health risks for women..
At Attn: Grace, we are committed to ensuring these Never-EverTM chemicals never (ever) find their way into our products, and to developing clean, plant-powered alternatives that perform to the highest standards. No leaks, no odor, no irritation – no compromises.
To kick us off, let’s dig into some of the things we’ve learned about phthalates and why we’ve committed to never using this class of chemicals in our products.
Phth-what? What on earth are phthalates?
Phthalates (pronounced tha-layts) are chemicals known as “plasticizers”, which are commonly added to plastics to make them more functional by increasing durability, flexibility, or strength. They’re used in all kinds of products – conventional deodorants, shampoos, conditioners, nail polish, body lotions… and, you guessed it, conventional incontinence pads. According to a 2019 study, phthalates were found in many incontinence pads on the market, and are used by many manufacturers as an inexpensive way to make their pads softer and/or more absorbent.
Why you won’t find phthalates in Attn: Grace products, now or ever
Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mimic or interfere with the body's natural hormones. Multiple studies have found a link between certain phthalates and an elevated risk of breast cancer in women, and have linked phthalates to an increased risk of other cancers, including thyroid, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
These risks may be increased for older women due to:
- Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause may make us even more sensitive to external hormonal disruption from chemicals like phthalates, and may exacerbate hormone-related health issues.
- Aging and thinning of our skin over time, making it more fragile and permeable as we age and increasing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions from dermal (skin) exposure to phthalates.
If your incontinence pad – and particularly the top sheet of your bladder leak pad – contains phthalates, you risk exposing your body to these chemicals every time you use one.
The Good News: There’s Finally a Better Way
We spent years researching and developing our product line to bring you a supremely soft, ultra-absorbent pad that performs to the highest standards, without exposing you to unnecessary, and in many cases, harmful chemicals like phthalates.
We’re so happy to be bringing you cleaner, greener, high-performing products that are, well, just. plain. awesome.
“I love that they don't have chemicals and they are soft, odor-free and just plain awesome.”
Explore our full line of skin-safe incontinence care here.
Sources:
Sanitary pads and diapers contain higher phthalate contents than those in common commercial plastic products (March 2019)
Urinary biomarkers of phthalates exposure and risks of thyroid cancer and benign nodule (February 2020)
Mechanism of phthalate esters in the progression and development of breast cancer (August 2020)
The effects of phthalates on the ovary (February 2015)
BPA, Parabens, and Phthalates in Relation to Endometrial Cancer Risk (May 2021)
This article is for informational purposes only, whether or not it features the advice of physicians and/or medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the experts cited herein and do not necessarily represent the views of Attn: Grace.