Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) makes plastics more flexible and has been used in nail polishes to stop them from cracking. Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) also adds flexibility and is used in some hair sprays.

Diethylphthalate is the most common phthalate used in cosmetics, according to the FDA. You can also look out for dimethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate on ingredient labels, two lesser-used ...