Endocrine disruptors: definition, effects and advice to avoid them

Invisible to the naked eye and yet terribly harmful, endocrine disruptors are everywhere: they slip into our bathrooms, invite themselves into our makeup bags, settle on our furniture and even our walls, are present in our Tupperware, and even go into our little ones' cribs...

Endocrine disruptors are all those insidious chemical substances capable of interfering in one way or another with our hormonal system (or our endocrine system), even at tiny doses. Some are banned, others regulated, sometimes widely suspected without being subject to clear supervision, limitation or prohibition...

So, how can you find your way around them? How can you become aware of, identify, decipher, and gradually eliminate these dangerous products from your daily life and your environment?

In this article, we support you in this process to:

• Understanding what an endocrine disruptor is.
• Identify the concrete risks to your health and that of your loved ones.
• Find out why it's still found in so many cosmetic products.
• Take stock of current regulations.
• Learn to spot and avoid them.

 

 

What is an endocrine disruptor?

 

What is the endocrine system?

Before even talking about endocrine disruptors , it is good to have a good overall vision of what we call the endocrine system : also called the hormonal system, it is a bit like the central clock of our body. It works thanks to a network of glands (thyroid, pituitary, ovaries, testes, etc.), which secrete hormones . These messengers circulate throughout the body to regulate vital functions such as growth, reproduction, metabolism, sleep and even mood.

Everything is finely orchestrated: the interactions are numerous and complex, and also depend on other elements: the liver, the intestines, the brain, stress, diet, the environment... When this system is disrupted by external elements, everything can become desynchronized, leading to a cascade of diverse and varied symptoms. This is essentially what endocrine disruptors do.

Please note: In people with chronic hormonal conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), hypothyroidism, or certain forms of endometriosis, repeated exposure to endocrine disruptors can aggravate symptoms or complicate treatment. These groups are therefore all the more encouraged to limit their exposure.

 

But then, what is an endocrine disruptor?

Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances capable of influencing the endocrine system by:

• imitating certain natural hormones (“usurper” effect);
• blocking their action (“antagonistic” effect);
• or disrupting their production, transportation or disposal .

Even a tiny dose can have significant effects on the endocrine system. It's easy to imagine the repercussions when we accumulate our exposure throughout the day, every day.

This is the real problem: even though regulations exist and are regularly reviewed, they do not take into account the overall exposure of individuals, and this accumulation. This is what is called the cocktail effect : a little here, a little there... and ultimately, chronic exposure with very real consequences.

 

Where are endocrine disruptors hiding?

As mentioned in the introduction, endocrine disruptors are everywhere:

• In cosmetic products : creams, deodorants, makeup, perfumes, etc.
• In hygiene products : toothpastes, shampoos, shower gels, wipes, intimate protection.
• In household products : disinfectants, multi-purpose sprays, window cleaners, etc.
• In food plastics : storage boxes, stretch films, bottles, lids, packaging.
• In kitchen utensils : non-stick pans, spatulas, old baby bottles, etc.
• In textiles : clothing, curtains, sofas, carpets (especially stain-resistant or flame-retardant treatments).
• In furniture and mattresses : glues, varnishes, foams, flame retardants.
• In toys and children's objects : soft plastics, paints, inks, etc.
• In construction materials and paints : solvents, glues, wall coverings.
• In tap water (pesticide or drug residues).
• In some foods (via pesticides, or migration from packaging).
• In electronic products : computers, telephones, televisions (via flame retardants).
• In thermal receipts (bisphenol A or S).
• In pharmaceutical products (certain hormonal treatments or drug residues in the environment).
• In the air ...

Here are some concrete examples of frequently encountered endocrine disruptors :

• Parabens : preservatives used in creams, deodorants, shower gels.
• Phthalates : perfume fixatives often hidden under the label “fragrance” or “parfum”.
• Bisphenol A (or S) : food plastic, receipts.
• Triclosan, BHA, BHT : disinfectants or antioxidants in toothpastes, facial care products, etc.
• Chemical UV filters : present in sunscreens.

And these are just a few examples!

The additional problem is that while cosmetics have a regulatory ingredient list, most other everyday products are not required to display their chemical composition.

There are no “ingredients” labels on furniture, paint, or sofas, and no visible warnings on products containing flame retardants or solvents. As a result, much of our exposure is blind, with no possibility of informed control.

It is then very difficult to report our real exposure; a good reason to find out, and first eliminate all those which “are visible”, in cosmetics or cleaning products for example.

Please note: There are laboratory tests available to determine the amount of endocrine disruptors stored in our bodies. This involves a blood test that can be ordered without a prescription and will be performed at your expense.

 

 

Measuring health risks

As we have just seen, the presence of endocrine disruptors in our bodies is almost inevitable: they are everywhere, and we are in contact with them on a daily basis.

We “collect” them in many ways, and they interact with our endocrine system in many ways, all of them harmful.

 

How do endocrine disruptors enter our bodies?

• By ingestion : When eating or drinking contaminated food:
  • fruits/vegetables with pesticide residues,
  • food that has been in contact with plastic (bisphenol A, phthalates),
  • water containing drug or chemical residues.
    
    
• By inhalation : By breathing in particles or vapors:
  • fumes from household products,
  • volatile pollutants in indoor air (varnishes, glues, paints),
  • household dust containing flame retardants or plasticizers.
    
    
• By skin contact : By applying to the skin or touching contaminated surfaces :
  • cosmetics (creams, makeup, shampoos),
  • detergents or household products handled without gloves,
  • treated textiles or furniture (stain-resistant, fireproof, etc.).
    
    
• Transplacental : Some disruptors cross the placenta during pregnancy , exposing the fetus in utero.
  
  
• Through breastfeeding : Fat-soluble endocrine disruptors (stored in fats) can pass into breast milk .

 

How do endocrine disruptors influence our hormonal system?

Hormones are like keys that circulate in the blood to open or close certain bodily functions: growth, reproduction, sleep, metabolism... It's a whole system of codes and receptors, where each hormone plays a key role.

Endocrine disruptors are imitators, blockers or saboteurs:

• They take the place of a real hormone (like a fake badge that fools a doorman).
• Or they prevent the right hormone from sticking to where it needs to work.
• Sometimes they alter the hormone production itself, making it too strong or too weak.

Regardless of their exact behavior, from the moment a molecule influences the normal behavior of a hormone and the endocrine system, it is classified as an endocrine disruptor.

Vital functions regulated by hormones are disrupted , and the consequences can be very serious, especially during key periods of development (fetus, early childhood, adolescence).

Good to know: Exposure to endocrine disruptors during pregnancy can influence the biological sex of the fetus, alter brain formation, or even impact the child's future behavior.

 

What are the effects on human health?

Endocrine disruptors can therefore:

• Alter fertility

  By disrupting the production or quality of eggs and sperm, or by jamming the signals necessary for ovulation or embryonic implantation.

  This leads to difficulties in conceiving, an increased risk of miscarriage, or even more frequent recourse to medically assisted procreation.

• Cause thyroid disorders

  The thyroid is a gland that is extremely sensitive to hormonal interference. A disruptor can cause it to accelerate or slow down its activity.

  This can result in chronic fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, sleep disturbances, concentration problems or even mood swings.

• Accelerate puberty

  Some disruptors mimic estrogen, which can trigger early puberty, especially in girls.

  We then observe an abnormal appearance of signs of puberty before 8–9 years (too early onset of periods, breast growth or hair growth before the normal age), with a physical but also emotional impact on the child.

• Promote certain cancers

  Breast, prostate, and testicular cancers are said to be "hormone-dependent." When a disruptor abnormally stimulates a hormone receptor, it can promote the growth of cells already sensitive to these signals.

  This can promote the multiplication of cancer cells, a faster progression of the disease, and even a reduced effectiveness of certain hormonal treatments. In the case of a predisposition (hormone-dependent cancers in the family, for example), it is all the more important to look into the issue of endocrine disruptors and avoid them as much as possible.

• Affect fetal development

  In the unborn baby, the hormonal system is still under construction. The brain, reproductive organs, metabolism: everything is under construction during pregnancy and the first years of life. Early exposure can therefore have lasting consequences , even into adulthood.

  Risks include malformations, developmental delays (language, attention, etc.), anomalies in sexual differentiation, cognitive or behavioral disorders detected later in childhood, etc.

 

Please note: The WHO (World Health Organization) considers exposure to endocrine disruptors to be a major threat to public health worldwide.

 

 

What are the current regulations?

One might imagine that, given the health risks, endocrine disruptors would be strictly regulated, or even banned. And yet... the regulations remain very incomplete.

The measures that exist vary greatly depending on the country, the sector of activity, and the substances concerned. As a result, it is still possible to encounter recognized disruptors in products that we use every day.

 

In Europe, a framework that is moving slowly

The European Union has put in place several texts to regulate chemical substances, including:

• Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetics , which prohibits certain substances classified as dangerous.
• The REACH regulation , which requires the registration and evaluation of many chemical substances, with a precautionary principle.
• The Biocidal Products Directive or the Toys Directive , which sometimes mention disruptive substances.

But these texts encounter several limitations:

• Not all endocrine disruptors are yet officially identified or recognized in regulatory lists.
• The assessments are carried out substance by substance, while the cocktail effect – that is, the combination of several disruptors – is not taken into account.
• Some substances are only restricted , but not completely banned.

 

Internationally: significant disparities

Regulations vary widely in the United States, Canada, Japan, and elsewhere. Some substances banned in Europe may be permitted elsewhere, and vice versa. Responsibility for safety often rests with manufacturers, making transparency difficult for consumers .

 

And in cosmetics?

The cosmetics sector is one of the most closely monitored , but that doesn't mean it's free of problematic substances. Many suspected endocrine disruptors are still used in skincare products, including:

• UV filters in sunscreens,
• preservatives (such as phenoxyethanol or certain parabens),
• perfumes containing phthalates, often hidden under the generic term "perfume".

Want to learn more? Check out our dedicated article: Endocrine Disruptor Regulations: Understanding and Complying for a detailed overview of this topic.

 

 

How to hunt down endocrine disruptors?

Hunting down endocrine disruptors doesn't mean living in fear or replacing your entire house overnight!

Above all, it's about opening your eyes , making more informed choices , and gradually regaining control over what you apply, breathe, or consume on a daily basis. Here are the first steps you can take to gradually reduce your exposure.

 

1. Learn to spot them

The first step is knowing where to look and what to track . And that starts with three good habits.

Read the labels (INCI)

Cosmetic products display a complete list of their ingredients, called the INCI list . But you still need to understand the often complex names. Some endocrine disruptors are clearly identifiable: parabens, phenoxyethanol, triclosan, cyclopentasiloxane, etc. Others are hidden under vague terms like "parfum" or "fragrance."

Use analytics applications

To save time (or get started without stress), some apps like INCI Beauty , Yuka or QuelCosmetic allow you to scan your products and identify the ingredients to avoid.

It's not perfect, but it's a good starting point. By using them regularly, you'll become familiar with product names and their associated hazards.

Trust the right labels

Not all logos guarantee the absence of endocrine disruptors. However, some labels are true benchmarks of trust. Examples include:

• Cosmebio
• Ecocert
• Slow Cosmetics
• Nature & Progress…

 

2. Simplify your routine: less but better

You don't need 12 products to take care of yourself. Lightening your routine is often an opportunity to eliminate disruptive factors... without realizing it.

• Choose short and readable formulas (fewer ingredients = less risk).
• Avoid duplication: a well-chosen vegetable oil can replace a serum, a night cream and an eye cream.
• Turn to multifunctional basics : Aleppo soap, jojoba oil, clay, aloe vera, etc.

 

3. Hunt room by room

Rather than wanting to change everything, it is better to move forward piece by piece , starting with the easiest products to replace and the most exposed.

• If you don't feel like throwing them away, finish your products, then replace them one by one, making more informed choices. During this time, you can devote some time to research, compare prices, evaluate labels, etc.
• Start with the simplest, most everyday, most accessible.
• And remember: every little change counts.

In the bathroom

• Deodorant, toothpaste, moisturizer, makeup, sanitary protection: these are the products most directly absorbed by the skin or mucous membranes.
• Start with the ones you use every day .

To go further: Cosmetics: how to avoid endocrine disruptors to protect your health

In the kitchen

• Replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel .
• Avoid cling film , and avoid questionable utensils (scratched pans, plastic spatulas).
• Choose simple or homemade household products (vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, black soap, etc.).

In the bedroom and living room

• Ventilate regularly: chemical particles accumulate in dust .
• Limit or eliminate scented candles, room sprays, incense, etc.
• In the long term, you can choose untreated furniture , or furniture certified free of toxic solvents.

 

In short, hunt with intention, but without pressure. You'll never eliminate all endocrine disruptors from your environment. But you can greatly reduce their impact by making conscious and responsible choices.

• Start with what touches your skin .
• Trust reliable benchmarks , not marketing promises.
• And move forward at your own pace , with full awareness.