Cosmetics: how to avoid endocrine disruptors to protect your health?

They're invisible, yet so present in our everyday products! Health authorities have been sounding the alarm about endocrine disruptors for several years now. Should we be alarmed? Not necessarily, because today there are simple solutions to identify them and natural treatments to replace them.

What is an endocrine disruptor?

An endocrine disruptor (ED) is a chemical substance that, even at very low doses, can interfere with our hormonal system. These microscopic molecules can mimic, block, or alter the action of our natural hormones, thus disrupting the balance of our bodies.

Their effects on health are numerous: fertility disorders, thyroid disorders (goiter, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism), precocious puberty, increased risk of hormone-dependent cancers (breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men), and developmental disorders in children.

Although the entire population is affected by the harmful consequences of endocrine disruptors, pregnant women, children and adolescents are particularly sensitive to the hormonal disruptions they cause.

Why are endocrine disruptors present in cosmetics?

Endocrine disruptors are present in cosmetic products (facial care, body care, hair care, and dental hygiene products) for technical reasons: they give them a pleasant texture and fragrance, extend their shelf life, and preserve their active ingredients. They are also chosen for their low cost and proven effectiveness in industrial formulation.

For example :

• Parabens are used as preservatives.
• Chemical UV filters protect the various formulas from the sun's rays.
• Certain molecules called “phthalates” are used to fix perfumes.

Despite scientific warnings, regulations remain insufficient. The European Union has banned certain substances recognized as endocrine disruptors, but many others remain authorized due to a lack of scientific consensus or validated alternatives.

Ingredients to absolutely avoid

To avoid them, you need to know them.

Here is the list of substances considered to be endocrine disruptors and which are most frequently found in cosmetics:

• Parabens: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben.
• Phthalates: often hidden under the generic term “fragrance” .
• Triclosan: antibacterial agent still used in some toothpastes and deodorants .
• Benzophenone-1 and -3: UV filters present in sunscreens and sunscreen products in the broad sense.
• Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and other cyclic silicones.
• Octocrylene: sunscreen suspected of releasing toxic compounds over time.
• Phenoxyethanol: controversial preservative , authorized but monitored.
• Alkylphenols: used as emulsifiers or surfactants , they are particularly persistent in the environment.
• BHA and BHT: Synthetic antioxidants often added to prevent oils from going rancid.

As you can see, EDs are not always clearly labeled. For example, the term "fragrance" can conceal problematic substances. The best thing to do is to decipher the labels or use reliable analysis tools.

Read also: Regulations on endocrine disruptors: Understanding and Complying .

How to choose cosmetics without endocrine disruptors?

Fortunately, there are some simple solutions to adopting a healthy beauty routine:

1. Learn to read the INCI list on labels

The INCI list is mandatory for cosmetic products. This is the list of ingredients found on product labels, or, if it's too small (for nail polish, for example), available on the brand's website. Here are some tips for deciphering the INCI list of products:

• Favor short ingredient lists.
• Look for the presence of vegetable oils or natural butters, and avoid products with overly complex names.
• Avoid vague terms like “perfume” or “fragrance” without specifics.

With a little practice, you quickly learn to spot questionable formulations and make more informed choices, even in supermarkets. The ideal is to focus on the transparency of ingredients, without giving in to misleading marketing promises.

To find out more and learn how to decipher the INCI list , refer to our dedicated article on the subject.

2. Use special applications

As with food, there are free apps that will allow you to scan your products and, therefore, detect the presence of endocrine disruptors:

• Yuka
• INCI Beauty

Obviously, these tools are not infallible, but they will guide you towards a good first approach to sorting through your toiletry and/or makeup bag.

3. Trust trust labels

Some labels guarantee the absence of PE in products:

• Cosmos Organic
• Nature & Progress
• Slow Cosmetics

Beware of false friends: the terms "organic" or "natural" are not enough. Only a certified label provides a real guarantee.

Healthy and effective alternatives

When experts recommend avoiding endocrine disruptors, this doesn't mean you should completely forgo the pleasure or effectiveness of a good beauty routine. Quite the opposite: adopting healthier skincare products often allows you to rediscover pleasant textures, natural scents, and better skin tolerance.

It's also an opportunity to reconnect with simple, sensory gestures that respect the body. A streamlined, yet well-thought-out routine is often enough to restore more balanced, less reactive, and visibly healthier skin.

Many natural and effective ingredients can replace them advantageously:

• Jojoba oil, which rebalances sebum production.
• Shea butter, which deeply nourishes the skin without clogging pores.
• Aloe vera, known for its highly moisturizing and soothing properties for all skin types.
• Essential oils and serums, which should be used with caution, but remain very effective in small quantities.

Our routine advice:

Morning: Gentle sulfate-free cleanser + organic moisturizer.

Evening: makeup removal with vegetable oil + natural facial treatment.

Weekly: homemade mask based on green or white clay.

Read also: The ethical and sustainable aspects of aroma perfume production.

Protect yourself without stressing out

As you will have understood, endocrine disruptors are indeed present in the cosmetics that we use every day, but we can completely avoid them without falling into excess or paranoia.

Above all, it's about making informed choices, adapted to your needs, those of your skin and your beliefs.

What to remember

1. Learn to recognize suspicious ingredients.
2. Trust transparent labels and brands.
3. Gradually integrate healthier alternatives.
4. Changing your habits doesn't happen overnight. The important thing is to move forward at your own pace, mindfully.

Read also: The effects of disruptors on the environment: A detailed perspective