How can I identify if a baby product contains harmful PFAS or phthalates?

By Bloom · 25 October 2026 · 4 min read

This page explains labels and certifications. Not medical advice; ask your paediatrician.

How Bloom Verifies Products

Bloom lists a product only when it has at least 1,000 Amazon ratings, its full ingredient or material list is published, it has no synthetic red flags, food and drinks are organic by nature, and fabrics carry a named organic certification; personal care, baby care, supplements and household products are held to a clean-formula standard instead of an organic one. Nobody pays to be listed.

This process ensures you have access to the full list of ingredients or materials for every item on the shortlist. By reviewing these lists, you can check for components you wish to avoid.

Understanding Product Labels

Reading labels is a starting point, but it has limitations. For personal care items, phthalates are often hidden within terms like fragrance or flavor, which do not require a full breakdown of every component ^[5]. If you want to avoid these, look for products that do not list fragrance or flavor on the label ^[5].

For other goods, terms like waterproof, stain-resistant, or grease-proof on a tag may indicate the use of PFAS ^[2]. Be aware that labels claiming a product is free of specific older substances, such as PFOA or PFOS, do not guarantee the absence of other similar substances ^[1][2].

• Check ingredient lists for fragrance or flavor.
• Look for terms like waterproof or stain-resistant.
• Avoid assuming a product is free of all substances based on one claim.

The Role of Certifications

Certifications provide a way to verify that a product has met specific testing standards. For fabrics, certifications like GOTS confirm the material is organic [Bloom]. For other baby items, some brands use third-party testing, such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, which sets limit values for various substances ^[3][4].

These certifications mean the product has been tested by an independent organization. However, they do not tell you everything about every potential substance. Always check what a specific certification covers, as each one has different testing criteria and goals.

Comparing Two Products

When comparing two items, start by looking at the full ingredient or material list provided by the manufacturer. If one product lists every component and the other uses vague terms, the transparent list gives you more information to work with ^[3][4].

Next, look for third-party certifications. A product with a recognized certification has undergone testing that a non-certified product may not have faced ^[3][4]. Comparing these details helps you see which brand provides more clarity about their manufacturing process.

Practical Steps for Parents

Since you cannot always identify every substance, focus on what you can control. Prioritize products that disclose their full ingredient lists and carry reputable certifications ^[3][4]. This transparency is a key factor in making informed decisions for your household.

If you are unsure about a product, you can search for information from independent testing projects or organizations that track product safety ^[2]. Taking these steps allows you to compare options based on the information available rather than relying on marketing claims alone.

Limitations of Ingredient Labels

Reading product labels is a common starting point, yet it often fails to reveal the full chemical profile of an item. For instance, manufacturers are not required to list every substance used in fragrances or flavors, meaning phthalates can remain hidden under these generic terms ^[5]. Similarly, labels on home goods or clothing rarely disclose the presence of PFAS, even when these substances are used to provide water or stain resistance ^[2].

Furthermore, marketing claims can be misleading for consumers seeking to avoid specific substances. A label stating a product is free of a particular chemical, such as PFOA or PFOS, does not guarantee the absence of other related substances in the same group ^[1][2]. Because many substitutes exist, these specific claims often leave out the broader reality of what is actually contained within the materials of the product ^[2].

Identifying Hidden Risks Through Performance Claims

When evaluating products, look beyond the ingredient list and consider the intended function of the item. If a product is marketed as waterproof, stain-repellent, or dirt-repellent, it is often a sign that PFAS may have been used in the manufacturing process ^[2]. These performance features are common in outdoor gear and certain textiles, making it difficult to rely on simple product descriptions to confirm the absence of these substances ^[2].

To better compare two products, look for third-party certifications rather than relying solely on brand promises. Certifications like OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 indicate that products have undergone rigorous testing for a wide range of substances ^[3][4]. These programs often involve retesting components and pulling items from store shelves to ensure ongoing compliance, providing a more reliable indicator of the materials used compared to standard marketing language ^[3][4].

Quick answers

Are all organic products free of these substances?

Organic certification primarily focuses on how ingredients are grown and processed, but it does not automatically guarantee the absence of all other substances [Bloom].

On Bloom’s verified list

As an Amazon Associate, Bloom earns from qualifying purchases. Facts above come from Bloom’s ledger; check the label on your pack.

How Bloom checks a product

Sources

1. Difference Among Microplastics, Phthalates, BPA, and PFAS - Consumer Reports consumerreports.org
2. “Forever Chemicals” Called PFAS Show Up in Your Food, Clothes, and Home nrdc.org
3. Behind the label: How Pampers ensures the safety of baby products through OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification oeko-tex.com
4. Behind the label: How Pampers ensures the safety of baby products through OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification oeko-tex.com
5. Phthalates in Cosmetics | FDA fda.gov

Bloom explains labels, ingredients and certifications. Not medical advice; ask your paediatrician.