xenoestrogens in beauty products + non-toxic alternatives
Xenohormones are man-made chemicals that can mimic our hormones. Xenoestrogens, specifically, are estrogenic, meaning they mimic the hormone estrogen. These chemicals can bind to estrogen receptors within the body, which prohibits the natural actions of our hormones — xenoestrogens disturb the hormonal balance within the body and disrupt natural hormone production.
When the normal function of our hormones is halted, the optimal function of every system and process within our body is affected! This is why controlling our exposure to these toxins and minimizing their damaging effects is crucial.
Xenoestrogens are everywhere: in the environment, in food, and in household and beauty products. These toxic chemicals can likely be found in many things people use daily! In this blog, I will focus on xenoestrogens in beauty products.
Keep reading to learn more about xenoestrogens, common everyday products that contain them, and my favorite alternatives!
Xenoestrogens impact on health and hormones
Xenoestrogens negatively affect our health in many ways:
changes in bone health
fertility problems
early puberty
changes in the metabolism of glucose
autoimmune imbalances and reactions
weight fluctuations
Xenoestrogens can enter our body in three different ways -
inhalation - environmental toxins
ingestion through foods we eat (non-organic, food preservatives)
absorption through the skin from the products we use
Xenoestrogens in beauty products (haircare, skincare, makeup, perfume, etc.)
Types of xenoestrogens and how to find them…
Parabens
These xenoestrogens can be absorbed through your skin, blood, and digestive system. Parabens are used as a preservative and also a fragrance ingredient. These can be found in many beauty products, including liquid and powder foundation, tinted moisturizer, sunscreen, cream and powder blush, moisturizers, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, shaving cream, lipstick, lip balm, petroleum jelly, etc.
Parabens are linked to:
kidney toxicity
reproductive issues
allergic reactions on the skin
dermatitus
disruptions in puberty
hormone-related cancers
interference with a pregnant woman’s fetus (baby development)
To see if a product contains parabens, look for any of these:
“fragrance” - companies have to list all the parabens directly, EXCEPT if they are within a fragrance! “Fragrances” can contain parabens, phthalates, and hundreds of other chemicals that don’t have to be listed (how sneaky)!
propylparaben
isobutylparaben
ethylparaben
methylparaben
benzylparaben
butylparaben
basically anything that looks like _______paraben
Phthalates
Another major xenoestrogen. These can be found in haircare, skincare, and beauty products such as shampoos, deodorants, hairsprays, hair gels, dry shampoo, lotions, nail polishes, perfumes, makeup, etc.
Phthalates are linked to many health conditions related to the following:
Liver -liver toxicity
Kidneys -kidney toxicity
Lungs - asthma
Immune system - allergies
Endocrine system
thyroid dysfunction
hormone-related cancers
Reproductive system
infertility
interference with a pregnant woman’s fetus (baby development)
To see if a product contains phthalates, look for:
“fragrance” - companies have to list all the parabens directly, EXCEPT if they are within a fragrance! “Fragrances” can contain parabens, phthalates, and hundreds of other chemicals that don’t have to be listed (how sneaky)!
Di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP)
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
Di-methyl phthalate (DMP)
Di-ethyl phthalate (DEP)
Di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP)
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BzBP)
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
Tips for non-toxic beauty
For optimal hormonal health and entire body wellness, limiting our exposure to xenoestrogens is essential. While avoiding xenoestrogens altogether (due to uncontrollable factors such as environmental exposure) is impossible, we can control the products we use daily. Here are some tips for choosing safe products!
read the labels! - look for signs of parabens, phthalates, and “fragrance” - don’t buy new beauty products with these ingredients. If you already have products containing these, don’t throw them out, but next time you buy new care, opt for something different.
use the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep database: I love using this website! Basically, the Environmental Working Group has taken thousands of products, analyzed their toxicity and safety, and given each a hazard score rating— all you have to do is type in what you are looking for!!
They even have recommendations for non-toxic beauty products — these are EWG verified (which means they are safe, non-toxic, and contain no xenoestrogens!). Find safe beauty options here
purchase paraben-free, phthalate-free, and artificial fragrance-free products - products will have a label to say if they are paraben-free or phthalate-free, but make sure to check the ingredients for “fragrance”
minimize your exposure to nail polish and nail polish removers
use smell-good products that use only organic or pure essential oils as fragrance- you don’t have to give up smelling good to stay non-toxic! Both your body and senses will thank you!
shop at non-toxic beauty stores and on websites; some of my favorites are Aillea, credo, and Goop (even Whole Foods has a great selection, and Target carries good brands if you know what to look for)
shop from non-toxic skincare brands; my favorites are Osea, cocokind, HAN Skincare Cosmetics, EO Essential Oils, Andalou Naturals and Indie Lee
Sources:
Paterni I, Granchi C, Minutolo F. Risks and benefits related to alimentary exposure to xenoestrogens. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017 Nov 2;57(16):3384-3404. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2015.1126547. PMID: 26744831; PMCID: PMC6104637.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/assets/docs/j_q/phthalates_the_everywhere_chemical_handout_508.pdf
https://www.verywellhealth.com/phthalates-5216073#:~:text=The%20best%20way%20to%20protect,DOP%2C%20DBP%2C%20and%20DMP.
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-about-parabens