At Fuca, we are striving for skincare that not only improves your skin texture, health and appearance, but also looks out for your holistic health as well. The beauty industry is not as heavily regulated as food and medicines and within our lotions and potions, lies a hidden menace – endocrine disrupting chemicals. These chemicals do exactly what they say, they disrupt the endocrine system and can wreak havoc on our hormonal balance, potentially leading to a range of health concerns.
What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?
Before diving into their presence in skincare, it's crucial to grasp what endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are. EDCs are a class of chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system, the network of glands that produce and regulate all hormones in the body. The endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating numerous bodily functions, including our fertility and reproductive system, immune response, sleep patterns, metabolism, growth, development and mood. These disruptors can mimic, block, or alter the body's natural hormones, leading to a wide array of health concerns. They enter the body through skin absorption, ingestion or inhalation.
What effect can Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals have on our health?
Health concerns related to EDCs include:
1. Hormonal Imbalance which manifests as irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, PCOS, endometriosis and thyroid dysfunction.
2. Increased Cancer Risk, while the direct link between endocrine disruptors and cancer is still under investigation, some studies suggest a potential association between certain chemicals and breast, testicular and prostate cancer development.
3. Reproductive Disorders including infertility and reduced sperm quality.
4. Immune System Dysfunction linked to autoimmune diseases, and allergic reactions.
5. Skin Sensitivities exacerbating skin conditions such as acne, eczema and dermatitis.
What are the Top Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals to Avoid in Skincare?
1. Synthetic Fragrances contain a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals which act as endocrine disruptors.
2. Parabens are used as preservatives in skincare products, parabens have been linked to endocrine disruption and breast cancer due to their estrogen-mimicking properties.
3. Phthalates are found in fragrances or fragranced products. Phthalates can disrupt hormonal balance and have been associated with reproductive issues.
4. BPA (Bisphenol A) while more commonly associated with plastics, BPA can also be present in skincare packaging, posing a risk of endocrine disruption.
5. Essential Oils, lavender and tea tree oil have been linked to endocrine disruption.
6. PEGs (polyethylene glycols) are petroleum-based compounds that can contain ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, a possible human carcinogen.
Top tips to minimise your exposure to endocrine disruptors in skincare products.
Scrutinise product labels for common endocrine disruptors such as parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances.
Opt for products labelled "paraben-free," "phthalate-free," and "fragrance-free."
Choose skincare in glass packaging over plastic wherever possible.
Sources:
OCA (Organic Consumer Association). 2008. Consumer alert. Cancer-causing 1,4-dioxane found in personal care products misleadingly branded as natural and organic. Available: https://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneRelease08.cfm
Common EDCs and Where They Are Found | Endocrine Society
https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2018/chemicals-in-lavender-and-tea-tree-oil-appear-to-be-hormone-disruptors
California. EPA. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Chemicals Known to the State to Cause Cancer or Reproductive Toxicity. February 5, 2010.https://www.oehha.org/prop65/prop65_list/files/P65single020510.pdf