It looks like at least some companies are finally reducing the amount of phthalates in their products. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics just released results of a follow-up study to their “Not Too Pretty” study from 2002 in which they had found 70% of the 72 products they studied had phthalates. In this recent study, they studied 12 of the worst offenders, and found that 9 had reduced or eliminated the phthalates.

What are phthalates? They are an ingredient that is often found in fragrances, but usually not listed in the ingredients list. The problem is that they mimic hormones and have been linked to genital changes in baby boys, reduced sperm count in men, and early puberty for girls.

So it is heartening to know that some big cosmetics and personal care companies are listening and have made an effort to reduce this harmful ingredient.

Check out the article in USAToday and the full report from Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.