Endocrine Disruptors and The Skin

5 min readSep 10, 2024

By Shahara Lum

Endocrine disruptors can be present in various everyday items like skincare and makeup products, as well as personal care items and cosmetics. They can also be found in fragrances, cleaning products, plastics, non-organic produce, unfiltered water, and certain types of cookware. It’s important to be aware of these hidden endocrine disruptors that we come across in our daily routines.

Understanding Endocrine Disruptors

Remember that endocrine disruptors are substances that can interfere with the endocrine system, the system responsible for regulating hormones in the body. These disruptors can imitate, block, or disrupt the body’s natural hormones, leading to many health problems. They can be found in numerous everyday items such as plastics, pesticides, household products, and personal care items. [2]

Examples of common endocrine disruptors include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and certain UV filters like oxybenzone. These chemicals can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. These disruptors can also be found in skincare products due to the skin’s role as the body’s largest organ and its function as a protective barrier. Unfortunately, endocrine disruptors have been linked to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and other health concerns. [2]

The Skin can be a pathway for Endocrine Disruptors

Our skin while serving as a protective barrier, can still absorb substances from the products we apply. These substances can enter our bloodstream and may potentially interfere with our hormonal balance. For example, phthalates, commonly used as solvents in skincare and cosmetic products, can be absorbed through the skin and have been associated with reproductive toxicity and developmental problems. Similarly, parabens, frequently used as preservatives, have been detected in human tissues and have exhibited estrogenic activity, indicating that they can imitate the hormone estrogen and potentially disrupt the endocrine system. [1]

How do you encounter endocrine disruptors

Our body’s endocrine system operates with extremely delicate hormone level fluctuations, and even these minor changes can have considerable impacts on our development and biology. This insight suggests that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, even in low concentrations, has the potential to interfere with the body’s sensitive systems and contribute to various health issues. This underscores the need for caution when it comes to exposure to these chemicals, even at minimal levels. [4]

The risks of endocrine disruptors

The impacts of endocrine disruptors on health are extensive and diverse. Studies have connected these substances to various health issues, including reproductive disorders, thyroid problems, developmental issues, and specific types of cancer. Concerning skin health, endocrine disruptors can contribute to conditions like acne, premature aging, and changes in skin barrier function. [2]

For example, hormonal imbalances caused by endocrine disruptors can worsen acne. Hormones play a significant role in sebum production, and disruptions can lead to increased oiliness and clogged pores. Endocrine disruptors can also accelerate premature aging by interfering with collagen production and skin elasticity. [4]

Understanding the impact of endocrine disruptors on our bodies is challenging because we are exposed to multiple disruptors simultaneously in our environments. Research suggests that exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals may increase the risk of various health conditions, such as reproductive disorders, developmental issues, impaired immune function, and certain cancers. [3]

Conditions include:

Diabetes
Obesity
Thyroid problems
Fetal reproductive and neural defects
Behavioral issues
Reproductive disorders such as early puberty, infertility, irregular cycles, premature ovarian failure, endometriosis, fibroids and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial & prostate cancer

Did you know that they can also harm animals? Research shows that endocrine disruptors have harmful effects on animals. Synthetic chemicals are significantly impacting animal hormones, leading to instances of some species changing sex due to exposure. This phenomenon has been observed in amphibious species exposed to herbicides. Additionally, in the Great Lakes region of the US, pesticide residue entering closed-water systems has caused certain fish species to undergo feminization. These findings raise concerns about environmental health and the impact of human activity on wildlife. [1]

Regulatory and consumer response

Regulatory authorities and consumers are paying more attention to this issue. In Europe, regulations are stricter, leading to the banning or restriction of certain endocrine disruptors in personal care products. In contrast, the United States has been slower to respond with regulations, but there is growing consumer demand for safer products, prompting companies to remove known endocrine disruptors from their formulations. [4]

Consumers are now more knowledgeable about the ingredients in their skincare products and are actively seeking out brands that prioritize safety and transparency. This shift is also reflected in the growing popularity of clean beauty and natural skincare products, which highlight non-toxic, plant-based ingredients that are free from known endocrine disruptors. This trend underscores the increasing importance of product safety and transparency in the skincare industry.

How to protect yourself

Here are some practical tips:

1. Read Labels Carefully: Educate yourself about common endocrine disruptors and read product labels to avoid them. Apps and online resources can help identify safer alternatives.

2. Choose Certified Products: Look for certifications such as S.A.F.E. Seal, USDA Organic, EWG Verified, or COSMOS, which can provide additional assurance of product safety.

3. Simplify Your Routine: Reduce the number of products you use to minimize potential exposure. Opt for multipurpose products when possible.

4. DIY Skincare: Consider making your own skincare products using simple, natural ingredients. This way, you have full control over what goes onto your skin.

5. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest research and regulatory changes regarding endocrine disruptors. Knowledge is your best defense.

What does this look like for the future?

The issue of endocrine disruptors continues to have a significant impact on the skincare industry. As ongoing research advances, we can anticipate the development of more advanced solutions aimed at producing safer and more efficient products. There is a growing trend towards increased transparency within the industry, largely driven by consumer demand.

In the meantime, individuals can play an active role in safeguarding themselves by staying updated on the latest information and making informed decisions about the products they choose.

Works Cited

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27363826/

[2] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-endocrine-disruptors

[3] https://tuttofare.com.au/blogs/news/endocrine-disruptors-in-skincare

[4] https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine

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