How to find cosmetics without endocrine disruptors?

What are endocrine disruptors?

The hormonal system, or endocrine system, is made up of glands, such as the thyroid, testicles, ovaries, pituitary gland or even the pancreas. These glands secrete hormones (estrogens, testosterone, insulin, etc.), which are released into the bloodstream and which play key roles in many essential functions of the body: for example, they participate in fetal development, reproduction, metabolism, blood sugar regulation, etc.

The World Health Organization in 2002 defined endocrine disruptors as "a substance or mixture that alters the functions of the endocrine system and thereby induces harmful effects in an intact organism, in its offspring or within (sub)populations”.

Where are endocrine disruptors found?

endocrine disruptors are found in many everyday objects and products. They are found in household products, detergents, kitchen utensils, cosmetics, and even food products.

They have also contaminated soil, air, water, and even sediments, and are therefore found everywhere in the environment.

Our organisms can thus be exposed by multiple routes, such as:

• Ingestion: food, drinks, plastic containers, packaging that contains food, plastic kettles, non-stick pans, etc.;
• Inhalation: detergents, household products, etc.;
• skin contact: cosmetics, water-resistant clothing, tampons, etc.

What are the effects of endocrine disruptors on health?

endocrine disruptors are suspected of affecting reproductive, thyroid, metabolic, or adrenal functions. They contribute to the development of hormonal disorders resulting in infertility, early puberty, obesity, but also congenital malformations, hormone-dependent cancers, and even immune disorders.

Unlike most “classic” chemical substances, the effects caused by endocrine disruptors are not necessarily linked to the dose received by an individual: effects are possible, even at very low doses. .

How do endocrine disruptors work?

Endocrine disruptors act on hormones and organs in 3 different ways:

• The mimetic effect: they imitate the action of a natural hormone to take its place;
• The blocking effect: they prevent the natural hormone from acting by attaching to the receptors with which it usually interacts;
• The disrupting effect: they modify the effects of a hormone or its circulation in the body.

Endocrine disruptors and windows of exposure

sensitivity to endocrine disruptors can vary depending on the period of life. Indeed, during the period of feto-embryonic development, or during early childhood, we observe an increased sensitivity of subjects to certain of these substances.

During puberty and the hormonal disruption that it causes, endocrine disruptors can irreversibly alter certain functions of the body.

Endocrine disruptors in cosmetics

endocrine disruptors are everywhere. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate them from our daily lives, it is nevertheless possible to limit our exposure by opting for clean products.

The list of endocrine disruptors to avoid in cosmetics is long:

• 1- 4 METHYLBENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR: UV chemical filters;
• 2- BENZOPHENONE: UV chemical filters:
• 3- BHA: used as a preservative or fragrance;
• 4- BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL: used as a fragrance;
• 5- CYCLOPENTASILOXANE: very present in cosmetics such as shampoos, creams, deodorants;
• 6- DIETHYL PHTHALATE: present in varnishes, styling products, perfumes;
• 7- ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE: present in sun creams and hair products;
• 8- NONYLPHENOL ;
• 9- OXYBENZONE: chemical UV filters;
• 10- PARABENS (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Buthylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Isobuthylparaben, Benzylparaben)
• 11- PHENOXYETHANOL: it is the most used in cosmetics. It serves in particular as a curator;
• 12- RESORCINOL: used in hair coloring;
• 13- TRICLOSAN: antibacterial used as a preservative.

The secrets to finding cosmetics without endocrine disruptors

To avoid cosmetics that contain harmful substances, several tips:

• Analyze the INCI list: this is the list of ingredients for your treatments;
• Choose products labeled “paraben-free”;
• Avoid all products containing in their INCI ingredient list the name DIETHYL PHTHALATE or any name composed of PTHALIC ACID, BENZOPHENONE, OXYBENZONE, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE and 4-METHYLBENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR, RESORCINOL, BHA, TRICLOSAN, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROP IONAL;
• Turn to cosmetic analysis applications : they allow you to know if the cosmetic product contains harmful substances. This is particularly the case for INICI Beauty, Yuka, QuelCosmetic and CleanBeauty;
• Turn to brands that commit to not using endocrine disruptors in the composition of their products.