?SIGN UP for Parade’s health newsletter with expert-approved tips, healthy eats, exercises, news & more to help you stay healthy & feel your best self?
Immune system malfunctionReproductive concernsDevelopmental delaysIncreased cancer risk
Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, Ph.D., RN, CIC, a research associate professor at Case Western Reserve University’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, noted that EDCs might alter the body's signals at key windows, such as during fetal development, puberty and pregnancy.
Still, there's a growing awareness among researchers and consumers like us that some of the products we use, like body washes, can contain endocrine disruptors that affect our health.
What Are Some Examples of Endocrine Disruptors in Skin Care?
Dr. Kazlouskaya says commonly discussed EDCs found in body washes include:
Glycol ethers (used as solvents)Heavy metalsPhthalatesEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC)Benzophenone-3 (BP-3)HomosalateParabens"Phthalates are often hiding under 'fragrance/parfum' on the ingredient list, and parabens, which are anything starting with methyl-, propyl- and butyl- on the ingredient list," Dr. Knighton explains.Yes, scented body washes may give you a signature scent like warm vanilla or lavender. However, research suggeststhat fragrances might disrupt the endocrine system and potentially mess with hormonal regulation, creating a domino effect that negatively impacts reproductive and metabolic systems. Plus, some data link fragrance exposure to neurological issues like headaches.A growing body of research also suggests that parabens can disrupt the endocrine system.
The TL;DR on why there aren't more regulations on it: Change takes time. "A lot of time," Dr. Knighton reports.
Some of that testimony included insights into the ingredient's endocrine-disrupting harms.
"Human studies tie some EDC exposures to reproductive, metabolic, thyroid and developmental effects," Dr. Knighton explains.
Absorption through your skin, eyes and mucous membranes Inhalation, such as when you breathe in the body wash's fragrance Ingestion—with body wash, this one is more common in young children, but it can accidentally happen to anyone
However, here's where things get muddy: Dr. Knighton shares that we don't know which entry point—if any—poses the biggest health risks. Frustratingly, it is also still unknown what qualifies as a "safe amount" of exposure to endocrine disruptors (whether once or over time) or how long some of them remain in the body. So, she can't advise people to use no more than a "shot glass worth of scented body wash per week" to protect their health.
The key takeaway? Do your best to limit exposure wherever possible, such as through the use of body wash.
Related: The Common Habit That’s Quietly Wiping Out Your Gut Bacteria
How To Choose a ‘Cleaner’ Body Wash
So, take a breath—and try to take the below advice from a place of empowerment instead of fear.
"Some products designed for sensitive skin carry a 'Seal of Acceptance' from organizations like the National Eczema Association," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "These products are often free from common irritants and harsh chemicals."
2. Become a label sleuth
Do we have definitive knowledge of the long-term effects of these chemicals? Do we know what doses are needed for someone to experience these harms? No and no, she concedes. However, she says that cutting back on exposures when possible can set your family up for success.
Dr. Chacon urges people to stick to unscented body washes—and be mindful of brands trying to casually slip "natural fragrance" on a label like it's NBD. It might be.
Dr. Chacon notes that products with "natural fragrance" can still add to your overall lifetime exposure to ECDs. A 2024 review in Endocrines also noted that synthetic and natural substances can act as EDCs.
4. Tap resources
"A lot of the ingredients...are in other products we use regularly," she says. "The EPA has a Safer Choice program that provides ways to make products with simple ingredients, as well as a...list of products that are deemed safe."
Up Next:
Related: 'I'm a Lawyer From Harvard, and These Are 10 Beauty Products I'll Never Use Again Based on Studies and Class Action Lawsuits'
Sources:
Dr. Brintha Vasagar, MD, MPH, a family physician and public health expertDr. Anna Chacon, MD, a dermatologist Role of personal care products as endocrine disruptors affecting reproductive age women. Frontiers in Reproductive Health.Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, Ph.D., RN, CIC, a research associate professor at Case Western Reserve University’s Frances Payne Bolton School of NursingEndocrine Disruptors. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, Ph.D., a clinical dermatologist The impact of perfumes and cosmetic products on human health: a narrative review. Frontiers in Toxicology.Studying paraben-induced estrogen receptor- and steroid hormone-related endocrine disruption effects via multi-level approaches. The Science of the Total Environment. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Mainstream recognition of health effects and implications for the practicing internist. Journal of Internal Medicine.Triclosan and Its Consequences on the Reproductive, Cardiovascular and Thyroid Levels. International Journal of Molecular Science.Synthetic Endocrine Disruptors in Fragranced Products. Endocrines.Personal care. EPA.Safer Choice. EPA.Hence then, the article about this super common daily hygiene habit could actually be messing with your hormones was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( This Super-Common Daily Hygiene Habit Could Actually Be Messing With Your Hormones )
Also on site :