Endocrine disruptors, what are they and how do they affect us? | Labeau Organic
It is increasingly common to hear about "endocrine disruptors" in the field of health and cosmetics. These are also known as "hormonal disruptors".
Have you ever counted how many cosmetics you use per day? Soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, creams, makeup... and the list could go on.
Roughly estimating, it could be assumed that a person uses at least five cosmetics per day. This means that we are incorporating nearly 100 chemical substances into our skin daily, many of which are dangerous for our bodies and the environment.
So, what is the possible solution to this problem? The answer is simple: join the "Clean Beauty" movement. In other words, dare to use natural, organic, and sustainable cosmetics, and let these products be part of your daily beauty routine!
This means using products whose toxic ingredients (endocrine disruptors) have been replaced by natural, non-harmful, and eco-friendly ones.
But first, what are endocrine disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors are, by definition, chemical substances external t
o our bodies, which are present as ingredients in the cosmetics we use today.
What are the risks of using products containing endocrine disruptors in cosmetics?
The consequences of regularly using these hormonal disruptors are that these substances act on our bodies by interfering with hormonal messages.
Sometimes they enhance them, and other times they interrupt them, altering the fundamental role that hormones play.
Hormones play an important role in the condition of our skin and our bodies in general. Their functions are specific and vital in our organism.
That's why when we use a common cream containing these "endocrine disruptors", what we do is deposit toxic elements into the pores of our skin and, therefore, into our bloodstream, which interfere with the functioning of our internal organism.
The 5 most common endocrine disruptors in cosmetics
Bisphenol, one of the hormonal disruptors that affects neurodevelopment
This type of endocrine disruptor has estrogenic properties, so, at a molecular level, it interacts with so-called cellular receptors and modifies the thyroid axis.
Although studies conducted to verify its effects were done in animals, they suggest modifications in neurodevelopment, memory, behavior, and also in reproductive capacity.
It can also cause irritation in the respiratory system and allergic reactions on the skin.
Parabens
Perhaps the hormonal disruptor that has been heard of the most recently. Parabens are chemicals used in many products.
Their activity is antiandrogenic and estrogenic. It has been proven that they are risky for pregnant women, as constant exposure to parabens can cause them to cross the placenta and lodge in the amniotic fluid.
Phthalates, an endocrine disruptor in cosmetics not recommended for pregnant women
This type of endocrine disruptor is a compound contained in plastics that often wrap the cosmetics or creams we use. Phthalates have the ability to seep into other elements, so they can transfer and be found in any type of cosmetics.
Among the risks attributed to them are antiandrogenic effects. It can also have adverse effects on the thyroid axis, hindering the penetration of thyroid hormone into cells and its distribution. These types of effects were detected both in prenatal exposure and during childhood, so it is not recommended for pregnant women.
Triclosan
This chemical was invented in 1972 for medical use in hospitals but was later added as a compound in other everyday use products such as soaps, toothpaste, or disinfectants. Since then, its presence in our lives has only grown.
It is striking, however, that a study conducted in 2015 showed that a soap, even if it contained triclosan, did not clean more than the soap lacking this compound.
The use of this endocrine disruptor produces "bacterial resistance," a risk that implies a serious health problem.
Its adverse effects on our health include asthma, allergies, decreased fertility, low birth weight newborns, and impaired immune system function.
Benzophenone (oxybenzone), an endocrine disruptor found in sunscreens
This endocrine disruptor called Benzophenone-3 is a chemical sunscreen filter found in sunscreens, as well as in other cosmetics that include sun protection among their properties, such as lipsticks or makeup.
It is also added to some products to protect them from sun damage, such as perfumes or shampoos, and to plastics to preserve the contents of the container.
Its negative impact on our health translates into antiandrogenic, proestrogenic, and antiestrogenic effects. It also increases the risk of breast cancer.
What should concern us the most?
According to recent studies, the presence of this chemical filter has been detected in waters worldwide, making it an adversary in the fight for protection and preservation of the environment.
As for the risk to humans, it has been found that water purification systems fail to dispose of these filters.
The solution to avoid hormonal disruptors?
Embrace natural cosmetics and join the Clean Beauty movement. We are growing more and more!
Organic cosmetics not only offer products that take care of our health but also simultaneously care for the environment and avoid chemicals that jeopardize the biodiversity around us.
Organic cosmetics use pure products, whose ingredients come from natural sources. They are obtained from nature and are modified as little as possible to preserve their benefits.
How to avoid endocrine disruptors, where to start?
1. Research
Researching the ingredients of the products used before buying them, paying special attention to any endocrine disruptors they may contain.
2. Choose
Choose organic and natural products that do not contain endocrine disruptors. A good option to start is the line of organic shampoos from Labeau Organic. The Balancing Shampoo for Oily Hair and the Hydrating Shampoo for Dry Hair are made with natural ingredients and do not contain sulfates, parabens, or silicones. Additionally, they are vegan and suitable for pregnant women. By choosing products free of endocrine disruptors, we not only take care of our health but also the environment.
Discover our hair care line!
