Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals in Skincare: What We Need to Know

Many skincare products on the market today contain harmful chemicals that can disrupt hormone function, posing serious risks to health—especially for women. These chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, mimic or interfere with hormones such as estrogen and thyroid hormones, leading to a range of health issues. Here's a closer look at some of the most common hormone-disrupting chemicals found in both skincare products and their packaging, and how they can impact your health.

“We should be really looking at the things that we’re buying and being conscious of the potentially disruptive substances that we’re not only putting in our bodies but on our bodies,” (Source)

-Shirisha Avadhanula, MD. Endocrinologist

1. Parabens

• What They Are: Parabens are widely used preservatives in skincare to prevent bacteria growth.
• Health Impact: Parabens can mimic estrogen, leading to hormonal imbalances that may contribute to breast cancer, fertility issues, and early onset puberty. A 2004 study found traces of parabens in breast tumor tissue, raising concerns about their long-term exposure in women .
• Where They’re Found: Lotions, creams, deodorants, and makeup.

2. Phthalates

• What They Are: Phthalates are chemicals used to stabilize fragrances and make plastics flexible, often hidden under "fragrance" in ingredient lists.
• Health Impact: Phthalates disrupt estrogen and thyroid hormones, which can lead to fertility issues, early menopause, and increased risk of breast cancer . These chemicals are found not only in the product but also in the plastic packaging, where they can leach into the product over time.
• Where They’re Found: Fragranced products like lotions, shampoos, and perfumes, as well as plastic packaging.

3. Triclosan

• What It Is: An antimicrobial agent used in some soaps, hand sanitizers, and skincare products.
• Health Impact: Triclosan has been shown to alter thyroid hormone levels and may also contribute to antibiotic resistance. Some studies link triclosan exposure to developmental and reproductive harm .
• Where It’s Found: Antibacterial soaps, cleansers, and hand sanitizers.

4. Oxybenzone

• What It Is: A chemical sunscreen ingredient that helps absorb UV light.
• Health Impact: Oxybenzone can disrupt estrogen levels and has been linked to endometriosis and reduced fertility in women. It can also impact hormone function in the thyroid gland .
• Where It’s Found: Sunscreens, lotions with SPF, and lip balms.

5. BHA and BHT

• What They Are: Preservatives used in cosmetics to extend shelf life.
• Health Impact: Both BHA and BHT are suspected endocrine disruptors that may interfere with estrogen and testosterone, leading to reproductive and developmental issues. These chemicals are also known to affect thyroid hormone levels, increasing cancer risk .
• Where They’re Found: Moisturizers, lipsticks, and anti-aging products.

How These Chemicals Affect Women's Health

Endocrine disruptors interfere with the body’s natural hormonal balance, which is particularly critical for women’s reproductive and overall health. Hormonal imbalances caused by exposure to these chemicals can lead to:

• Menstrual irregularities and early menopause
• Fertility challenges and pregnancy complications
• Increased risk of breast cancer and other hormone-related cancers
• Disruption of thyroid function, which can affect metabolism, mood, and energy levels

Protecting Yourself from Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals

To reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals, consider choosing skincare products that are labeled as paraben-free, phthalate-free, and fragrance-free. Opt for natural, sustainably packaged products that avoid synthetic chemicals. Cascadia Skincare prioritize clean, all-natural ingredients and avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals, both in our products and packaging.

By making informed choices, you can protect your hormone health and overall well-being while still enjoying effective skincare solutions.

References:

1. Darbre, P.D. (2004). "Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours." Journal of Applied Toxicology.
2. Hauser, R. et al. (2007). "Phthalates and Human Health." Environmental Health Perspectives.
3. Paul, K.B., et al. (2010). "Triclosan disrupts thyroid hormone-associated gene expression in the female rat." Toxicological Sciences.
4. Kypke, K., et al. (2016). "Oxybenzone and health risks in sunscreen users." European Journal of Dermatology.
5. McIntosh, J., et al. (2015). "Health effects of BHA and BHT in cosmetics." Journal of Cosmetic Science.