Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the normal flow of hormones in living creatures. Of the almost 1 million chemicals released into our environment since the mid 1900’s, most are untested regarding their effect, and none have been tested in combination.

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the normal flow of hormones in living creatures. Of the almost 1 million chemicals released into our environment since the mid 1900’s, most are untested regarding their effect, and none have been tested in combination.

We are living in a giant science experiment. Cancer, autoimmune disease, infertility, autism & cardiometabolic disorders can be linked to these chemicals, although big industry and advertising would never allow the general public to know how toxic our surroundings have become.

Personal care products are one of our worst exposures to these chemicals. There are over 10,000 chemicals in personal care products, and they are not even required to tell us which ones are in the products we buy. The average woman is exposed to over 500 chemicals a day, and most of these are topically applied and absorbed, or inhaled. In fact, a typical woman ingests up to 4 lbs. of lipstick in her lifetime.

Some of the toxic Endocrine Disruptors known to cause disease: 

• Formaldehyde (found in fabrics, linens, particleboard, and other household products. Preservative for cadavers. Neurotoxic)
• PCBs (Highly toxic chemicals banned in the 1970’s but present in electronic devices, wiring, & currently, farm raised salmon contain PCB’s)
• PVCs (Vinyl…shower curtain liners, tablecloths…offgas toxic fumes)
• Dioxins (Used in chlorinated cleaners and may end up in animals with high fat content such as fish and shellfish)
• Heavy Metals (Mercury, lead, arsenic, aluminum and cadmium accumulate in the soft tissues of our bodies and are found in nasal sprays, shampoo and antiperspirant deodorant)
• Asbestos (Used to insulate older buildings- cancer causing material)
• Parabens (Found in most personal care products, baby lotions and cosmetics. These are endocrine system disruptors, hormonal balance disrupters may lead to infertility and other hormone problems)
• Phthalates (Found in cosmetics, hair spray, mousse, room sprays, colognes and perfumes)
• Insecticides and Pesticides (Found in conventionally grown produce and foods, genetically inserted into GMO food DNA)
• VOC’s (Found in perfumes, shampoo, paints, household cleaners, furniture polishes, air freshener, nail polish remover, hair relaxers, adhesives, foams, plastics, toiletries, aftershave lotions)
• Chlorine (Found in tap water, shower water, pools, household cleaners…bleach. High levels in breastmilk and infant blood)
• Toluene (Found in cosmetics and nail polish. Toxic fumes)
• Synthetic Fragrance (Found in soap, lotion, shampoo, deodorant, conditioner and perfume is linked to hormone disruption)
• BPA (a synthetic estrogen originally. Used to harden plastic containers & line inside of metal cans, used to line CDs, DVDs, thermal paper for receipts, and other products).

MY FAVORITE NON-TOXIC PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

These are just a few of my favorites, but there are a lot of good products out there if you are saavy and check labels for chemical ingredients. Don’t be afraid to call a company yourself if you are unsure.

Burt’s Bees: Generally a good bet, & great smelling

We use: Lotions, Lip Balms, Baby Bath

Pacifica: Non-toxic fragrances & cosmetics

We use: Island Vanilla Perfume Roll On

Emerita: Chemical free lubricants, face & body care & hormone creams

We use: OH Warming Lubricant

DeVita: A higher end cosmetic line and medical grade skin care products

We use: UltraHydrate face cream with Hyaluronic Acid

Avalon Organics: Lots of great skin & hair care products

We use: Vitamin C Renewal Cream

Alba Botanica: Popular line of natural skin care products

We use: Very Emollient Mineral Sunscreen Kids

Nature’s Gate: Great non-toxic shampoo & conditioners

We use: Daily Cleanse Shampoo in Herbal

Dr. Bronners: Pure line of liquid soap

We use: Soaps with essential oils or unscented

Jason: Many great products for personal care

We use: Dandruff Control Shampoo with Sulfur

Giovanni: Mostly hair care products

We use: Leave in Conditioner & Styling Elixir

Weleda: German line of non-toxic body and baby care

We use: Calendula Diaper Cream, Deodorant/Room Spray in Rose

Alvera: A natural deodorant I’ve found works better than most

We use: Natural Roll On Deodorant in Almond or Unscented