Baby Formula Contains BPA, Phthalates, and Microplastics

Microplastics and their byproducts are showing up in baby formula. A 2025 study raised specific concerns about bisphenol A and phthalate esters (both plastic breakdown products) contaminating infant formula, calling infants a "vulnerable population."

What the Research Found

Published in a peer-reviewed journal (2025), researchers examined microplastics and endocrine-disrupting byproducts including BPA and phthalate esters in formula products. They described infants as a particularly vulnerable population because of their developing endocrine systems.

The contamination comes from multiple sources: the formula packaging itself, the powder storage containers, and the bottle used for preparation. Every plastic component in the feeding chain contributes to the final exposure.

BPA and Phthalates Together Are Worse

The concern with combined BPA and phthalate exposure isn't just one chemical. It's the mixture. Both chemicals disrupt estrogen signaling. When multiple endocrine disruptors are present together, they can act synergistically, meaning the combined effect is greater than either alone.

An infant drinking formula from a plastic bottle is potentially getting multiple endocrine disruptors simultaneously from the packaging, the bottle, and the formula itself.

Glass bottles, metal canisters for formula storage, and formula with minimal plastic contact in packaging reduce the exposure chain. Browse non-toxic baby products for glass feeding options.

Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.

Source: Microplastics and endocrine-disrupting byproducts (BPA and phthalate esters) in infant formula (2025).