What are you actually applying to your skin?
Have you ever considered the potential health risks that conventional cosmetics may harbor?
When you use cosmetics with endocrine disruptors , you are applying chemicals to your skin that can interfere with your body's hormonal system, causing adverse effects on your health and development.
What are endocrine disruptors?
The endocrine system is responsible for vital functions through the production and release of hormones.
Some of the most important functions it controls include:
- Metabolism : Regulates the rate at which the body converts food into energy and how that energy is used.
- Growth and development : influences body growth, bone and muscle development, and maturation during puberty.
- Reproduction : controls reproductive functions such as the production of gametes (eggs and sperm), the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and lactation.
- Stress response : Manages the body's response to stress through hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
- Fluid and electrolyte balance : regulates the balance of water and minerals such as sodium and potassium.
- Sleep regulation and circadian rhythms : affects sleep cycles through hormones such as melatonin.
- Homeostasis : maintains internal balance, including body temperature, glucose levels, and blood pressure.
The main endocrine glands are the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (in women) and testes (in men).
However, this system is constantly threatened by endocrine disruptors, substances that interfere with its functioning and can come from the environment or everyday products.
Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of these risks in conventional cosmetics and opt for natural products free of toxic chemicals to protect your long-term health and well-being.
What are hormone disruptors in cosmetics?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that alter the body's hormonal system and can cause negative health effects.
In cosmetics, these substances are present in products such as lotions, sunscreens, deodorants, and perfumes.
Common ingredients such as parabens, phthalates , and certain sunscreens have been identified as potential endocrine disruptors, raising concerns about their continued use.
Health risks of endocrine disruptors in cosmetics
When you apply products with endocrine disruptors, these substances can penetrate the skin and enter your bloodstream, altering the hormonal balance that regulates vital functions.
The most worrying thing is that their effect is cumulative and they can remain in the body for a long time, even being passed on to future generations as a toxic inheritance.
It's essential to be mindful of the products you use and avoid endocrine disruptors to protect your health and that of your skin.
Health effects caused by endocrine disruptors in cosmetics
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Reproductive problems: affect fertility and sexual functions in both men and women.
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Genital malformations: especially due to exposure during fetal development.
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Hormonal disorders: These can cause imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome or low testosterone production.
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Pregnancy complications: increased risk of premature birth or problems with fetal development.
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Hormone-dependent cancers: potential increased risk of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified endocrine disruptors as a growing public health concern, as they can affect reproductive development, metabolism, and immune system function.
Cosmetic ingredients that act as hormone disruptors
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Parabens: used as preservatives (isopropylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, etc.).
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Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: DMDM Hydantoin, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, imidazolidinyl urea, among others.
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Phthalates: present in synthetic fragrances and cosmetics (butylbenzyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate...).
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Triclosan and triclocarban: antimicrobials in antibacterial soaps and deodorants.
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Chemical sunscreens: benzophenones, cinnamates and others.
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Phenols: very common in cosmetics.
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Toluene: used in nail polish.
You can consult the updated official list of endocrine disruptors in the European Union for more details.
At the European Union level, you can consult this official list , which is updated periodically, with all potential endocrine disruptors.
How to avoid endocrine disruptors in cosmetics
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Read labels: Learn to identify problematic ingredients.
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Choose natural, toxin-free cosmetics: products with natural and organic ingredients, formulated without these substances.
📰 Do you have sensitive skin and are irritated by almost everything?
Some cosmetic ingredients can be more harmful than you think, especially if you have sensitive skin. Read the full article 👉
Why choose OhMyKoko?
At OhMyKoko , we don't just offer natural and vegan cosmetics, we're also the first skin activist brand . Our products are formulated with high-quality, natural ingredients, free of toxic chemicals , designed to care for your skin and respect the environment.
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