The truth about endocrine disruptors
What is an endocrine disruptor?
To begin with, what is an endocrine disruptor (ED)? It's a substance, either artificial or natural, that disrupts our hormonal balance. In fact, an endocrine disruptor mimics our natural hormones, and unfortunately, our bodies often mistake them for the real thing... The result? Hormonal imbalance, PCOS, infertility, early puberty, etc. The list of damages caused by these substances is long, very long! And considering there are thousands of endocrine disruptors, one might quickly wonder how these EDs have invaded our daily lives to such an extent...
Endocrine disruptors in our cosmetics and their dangers
They are called phthalates, parabens, triclosan, or even bisphenol A. These names may not ring a bell, yet these molecules are everywhere: in our food products, household products, cosmetics, clothing, etc. But who are they really?
- Parabens: commonly used as preservatives in medications, cosmetics, and foods, they pose a double risk. Parabens not only disrupt the endocrine system but also have proven carcinogenic properties. These substances can be found everywhere, including nail polishes, glues, and cleaning products. However, opting for products labeled "paraben-free" does not necessarily guarantee better quality, as their common substitute, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), also raises many questions.
- Sulfates (SLS): used as surfactants, they are found in almost all our shower gels, soaps, and shampoos. They make things lather! It's no wonder manufacturers use them abundantly. The problem? Discussions have arisen regarding their potential as endocrine disruptors. So, it's not very reassuring. It's better to avoid them until studies can clearly establish the link between EDs and SLS. For now, we know that these sulfates are problematic for their drying action (especially for the scalp and hair), leading to irritations, itching, and sometimes allergic reactions. Additionally, some sulfates, when rinsed and enter water systems, can have a genuinely negative impact on the environment, polluting water and threatening aquatic life.
- Phthalates: known for their role in softening plastics and stabilizing fragrances, they are criticized for affecting fertility. These chemical compounds are involved in genital malformations and early puberty. They are also suspected of increasing the number of premature births... Nothing uplifting, we agree. They can be found in a variety of everyday products, including bags, clothing, toys, paints, containers, plastic films for food, as well as perfumes and cosmetics.
- Betaine, bisphenol A, triclosan, silicones, and many others... There are thousands of problematic substances, and their health consequences are worrisome...
Endocrine disruptors in hair care, everyone is affected!
Hair, a reflection of our overall health
Composed mainly of proteins, our hair retains traces of our lifestyle: what we eat, drink, smoke, breathe, etc. Unlike a blood or urine test, which can detect certain substances present in our bodies at a given moment, hair analysis offers the advantage of providing a complete retrospective over several months!
Considering that hair grows about 1 cm per month, it's then sufficient to analyze centimeter by centimeter to accurately date our exposure to certain substances! Amazing, isn't it? It's an excellent way to measure our exposure to pollution but also to pesticides, which are proven endocrine disruptors.
These latter are omnipresent in the environment and can enter the body through ingestion (water, food), inhalation (air), or contact (skin).
The same goes for microplastics, which are found absolutely everywhere and, as good endocrine disruptors, interfere with our hormonal system. It's not surprising when you consider, for example, that bisphenol A is found in the bodies of 92% of adults in eleven European countries, including France.
Hair care products with problematic compositions
Problematic substances in cosmetics
Did you know? More than 40% of our cosmetics contain at least one endocrine disruptor.
Hair is often exposed to various harmful substances, whether through hair care products or the environment. Among the worrying components, there are sulfates, commonly used in shampoos for their foaming power. They can dry out the hair and irritate the scalp. Parabens, often present as preservatives, are criticized for their potential endocrine-disrupting effects. Not to mention silicones, commonly added to provide shine and softness. They can accumulate on the hair and scalp, hindering their natural breathing. Do you love changing your hair color every month or swear only by Brazilian straightening? Hair dyes and chemical straightening products may contain toxic substances like formaldehyde, known for its carcinogenic properties. Remember phthalates? These are often hidden in product compositions under the terms "fragrances" or "flavors". The worst part is that this lack of transparency is entirely legal...
As you can see, it's hard to avoid these EDs... But don't panic, there are simple tips to reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors. A little sorting in the bathroom is already a big step in the fight against EDs. Follow the guide...
4 steps to a (really) endocrine disruptor-free cosmetic
There are 36% fewer endocrine disruptors in the urine three days after getting rid of them from the bathroom. As you can see, efforts pay off! And a quick sort through your skincare products can quickly make a difference.
When we know that harmful components in our cosmetic products can sometimes remain on the market for decades before being banned, it's better to boycott products that contain them.
If we were to summarize in 4 points, we strongly recommend opting for cosmetics that are:
- Fragrance-free
- Organic certified (Attention, organic certification does not mean 100% organic! And it doesn't mean free from endocrine disruptors either... If only! To sort it out, take a moment to analyze the product label: in organic cosmetics, the organic percentages must be stated on the packaging: it's mandatory! Does your product indicate only 10 to 20% organic ingredients? Unfortunately, many products have only the minimum to be certified).
- In glass containers, to avoid transfers of EDs present in plastic in your favorite shampoo
- And the holy grail, cosmetics that have successfully passed the OEDT test, the only way to ensure the total absence of estrogenic activity in a product. Moom is the very first brand of pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe care products to have conducted the test on its products! And among the products, there is everything for your daily routine: shampoo, shower gel, care oil, cream, and cleanser & makeup remover. Special mention for Lucy shampoo and Wangari care oil, for soft and healthy hair!
In short, let's take care of ourselves by choosing hair care and cosmetic products that respect our health, and our hair will thank us!
Lisa from Moom -
Moom is a brand of organic cosmetics certified without endocrine disruptors that fights against the presence of endocrine disruptors in our daily lives. It offers a complete routine to take care of oneself without risks: shower gel, shampoo, cleanser, makeup remover, oil, and moisturizing cream. Discover the entire range in their store
