When it comes to trying to be healthy, we’re pretty clued up on what we’re putting into our bodies. We know that junk and processed food is bad for us, and anything that’s been sprayed with pesticides could probably do with a good rinse before we eat it. But do you know the real effects of what you’re putting on your body? Turns out, our favourite everyday beauty products might be secretly packed with ingredients that are actually wreaking havoc with our hormones.
Your endocrine system i.e. the system in which all of your hormones are secreted into the blood, is affected by everyday toxins and pollutants. These pollutants trick our hormones into acting in different ways than they’re naturally supposed to behave— and so they’re called ‘endocrine disruptors’. These changes to your hormones can cause anything from irregular periods, hormonal breakouts and (in very extreme cases) birth defects, illnesses and cancer. Yikes.
'We’re exposed to over 80,000 toxins, circulating in our environment every day,' says nutritionist and hormonal health expert Angelique Panagos. 'There is growing evidence that pesticides, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and other chemicals act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body’s carefully regulated hormonal system and they artificially increase the levels of hormones in the body, or impede their proper and essential breakdown.'
Of course, exposure to these everyday hormone disruptors aren’t going to cause our bodies any major harm in the short term. 'Certain chemicals such as dioxins, parabens and BPAs which have been clinically shown to interfere with the hormonal system are banned in the beauty industry and/or widely avoided by responsible companies,' explains Mark Curry, co-founder of The Inkey List.
But, many endocrine disruptors can still be found in our every day products, and might want to be avoided— or cut down on— especially if you’re pregnant, or breastfeeding.
'Almost anything can be a hormone disruptor,' says wellness and skin health expert Marie Reynolds. 'The water you drink, toothpaste, food with pesticides or preservatives, shampoo, skincare, make-up, hair dye, tooth fillings, pollution, plastics and medication are all, to some extent, endocrine disruptors.'
But, short of living in a glass box, it can be hard to avoid them completely. And of course, some are worse than others. 'If we’re looking at hardcore hormone disruptors then recreational drugs and smoking are definitely the worst offenders,' says Marie. 'If you think how many chemicals one cigarette alone contains, it’s not surprising that they’re so bad for us.'
But there are ways in which you can cut down on the every day ingredients that might affect our hormones, with just some small tweaks.
'I personally avoid parabens and phthalates in skincare and use mineral make-up where possible. I eat organic and do not drink tap water at all. The thing is to not over obsess but try to eliminate what you can. Making small mindful changes every day will make a difference,' says Marie.
How To Shop For Happy Hormones
1.Avoid parabens in beauty products
Parabens are a controversial ingredient and can be found in many every day beauty products. They’re used as a type of preservative, to prolong shelf life, but are widely believed to disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen.
Too much oestrogen can trigger cell division and the growth of tumours, which is why paraben use has been previously linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
Of course, the actual percentage of parabens in our beauty products is tiny— but something that many people choose to avoid.
2. Ditch plastic packaging
It’s hard, but try to ditch plastic packaging where possible. This means food packaging, water bottles and beauty products. Look out for glass, cardboard or plastic-free alternatives. You’ll be doing your body, and the environment, a favour.
3. Avoid synthetic fragrances
Studies have shown phthalates and synthetic fragrances to have adverse effects on the male reproductive system and thyroid irregularities. Instead, look for natural perfumes made from essential oils and botanical ingredients.
Where To Shop Toxic-Free Beauty
If you’re unsure which beauty products are free from hormone disruptors, then a good place to start is by shopping at a ‘clean’ beauty retailer. Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop.com now ships to the UK and stocks tonnes of toxic-free beauty brands.
PureSkinLab.com is a non-stop beauty shop stocking beauty, cleaning and home products that do not contain any harsh chemicals or parabens.
FreePeople’s beauty and wellness section offers a great variety of natural beauty products and you can always rely on The Organic Pharmacy for an edited selection of organic beauty.
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Shop Hormone-Friendly Beauty Products
Schmidt’s Bergamot + Lime Deodorant - £6.95
It can be hard to find a reliable non-toxic deodorant, but this all-natural, certified-vegan one does the job.
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick - £29
Available soon
bareMinerals ‘clean’ product promise means that their formulas won’t contain parabens, phthalates or chemical sunscreens. A great place to start if you’re wanting to cut-down on the chemicals.
Tata Harper Lip and Cheek Tint - £34
Free from synthetics, artificial fragrances, fillers, GMO, gluten— this duo product deserves a spot in every make-up lovers bag.
Faith in Nature Grapefruit and Orange Body Wash - £3.67
Zesty and energizing, this shower wash is your perfect morning pick-me-up. It’s also totally free from parabens and SLS
Marie Reynolds London Goji Mallow Cleanse - £32
Enriched with antioxidants, this calming cleanser reduces inflammation and removes daily pollution and make-up with ease.
Hurraw Coconut Lip Balm - £4.99
Even your lip balm can be full of nasties, but not this one. Instead, it’s packed with totally raw, natural and vegan ingredients making it good enough to eat (but um, please don’t!).
May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon - £159
It might be on the expensive side, but this little pot of wonder-cream sorts out all skin issues. Super nourishing and healing, the thick blue tansy miracle paste can be used on everything from eczema and dry skin to psoriasis and acne.
The Inkey List Rosehip Oil - £6.99
This 100% pure Rosehip Oil hydrates, soothes and softens skin, whilst helping to regulate oil production.
The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan - £42
Made with eco-approved DHA, essential oil perfume and no nasty ingredients— this is a 100% natural fake tan, for those who can’t live without a glow.
RMS Beauty 'UN' Cover Up - £34
Moisturising, soothing and made of organic, natural ingredients, this concealer smooths away blemishes and dark circles in an instant
We Are Paradoxx Hangover Hair Elixir - £30
Hormone disruptors are found in hair care too— but not in any of We Are Paradoxx’s products. The brand is 100% toxin-free, organic, vegan, 90% plastic-free, paraben and perfume free, cruelty-free, ethical + sustainable, gluten-free, synthetic fragrance-free, eco-friendly, mineral oil-free, SLES + SLS free. Huzzah!
Kjaer Weis Dazzling Bronzer Compact - £40
Refillable and plastic-free, this compact bronzer is made with jojoba, beeswax, and sweet almond oil, creating an incredibly natural sunkissed look. NB: it doubles as the perfect glowy eyeshadow.
