We pay attention to what we eat, how we move, and how much sleep we get, but what about what we put on our skin?
Your skin is your largest organ of the body. What you apply topically doesn’t just stay on the surface either, many ingredients penetrate the skin and make their way into your bloodstream. Some of them can even interfere with your hormone system, potentially impacting everything from your skin health to mood, metabolism, and fertility.
Welcome to the world of endocrine disruptors.
What Are Endocrine Disruptors?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are synthetic compounds that interfere with the body's hormonal messaging system. They can mimic estrogen, block testosterone, and confuse your thyroid. This can affect your skin, your cycle, your energy, and even your long-term wellness, causing inflammation, acne, stress and so much more.
These chemicals are commonly found in personal care products, including lotions, serums, cleansers, makeup, sunscreen, feminine hygience products, and more.
Why Should You Care?
Hormonal balance plays a huge role in the health of your skin. Whether you're struggling with persistent hormonal acne, experiencing PMS-related flare-ups, or simply looking to regulate your skin from the inside out, reducing your exposure to EDCs is one step you can control.
Below are seven of the most common hormone-disrupting ingredients hiding in everyday beauty products — plus safer swaps and what to use instead.
1. Parabens
What they do: Mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal signaling
Commonly found in: Moisturizers, shampoos, shaving creams, makeup
Look for: Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben
Why it matters: Parabens have been detected in breast tissue and are linked to reproductive toxicity.
2. Phthalates
What they do: Interfere with testosterone and estrogen balance
Commonly found in: Fragranced products like perfumes, lotions, hair sprays
Look for: Diethyl phthalate (DEP), or hidden under the word “fragrance”
Why it matters: Phthalates are linked to infertility, early puberty, and hormone-related cancers.
3. Fragrance (a.k.a. “Parfum”)
What it does: Acts as a loophole for companies to hide multiple synthetic chemicals
Commonly found in: Everything — deodorant, cleansers, moisturizers, even “natural” products
Why it matters: Often contains phthalates and other EDCs, plus potential allergens and irritants. Choose “fragrance-free” or naturally scented when possible.
4. Triclosan
What it does: Disrupts thyroid hormone metabolism
Commonly found in: Acne treatments, antibacterial soaps, body washes
Why it matters: Triclosan has been banned in hand soaps but is still used in other products. It’s been linked to thyroid dysfunction and antibiotic resistance.
5. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
What it does: Acts as a UV filter but mimics estrogen
Commonly found in: Chemical sunscreens, tinted moisturizers with SPF
Why it matters: Associated with hormone disruption and skin allergies. Choose mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead.
6. BHA & BHT
What they do: Synthetic preservatives that mimic estrogen
Commonly found in: Lipsticks, moisturizers, creams
Why it matters: Both are suspected endocrine disruptors and have been linked to liver and thyroid effects.
7. PEGs & Ethoxylated Compounds
What they do: Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen and EDC
Commonly found in: Creams, shampoos, cleansers
Look for: “PEG-” or ingredients ending in “-eth” (like ceteareth, oleth, etc.)
So… What Should You Use Instead?
It can feel overwhelming at first, but learning to read and "de-code product labels" like you would nutrition labels, is a great start. With added professional support from your esthetician, you can build a high-performance routine that also supports your hormone health, and safely gets you the skin of your dreams.
At Amy Adams Aesthetics, I’ve done the ingredient homework for you. I hand-select every product, from cleansers to serums, with a commitment to clean, evidence-based formulations that nourish your skin without compromising your hormones.
I proudly carry:
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Face Reality: Clinical acne care, free of phthalates and fragrance
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Epicutis: EWG Certified Non-Toxic, minimal ingredients, fragrance-free and anti-inflammatory
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Alastin: Backed by science and gentle on your barrier and endocrine system
Book a Clean Skincare Consultation or Facial
Let’s go through your products, assess your skin goals, and create a customized plan that aligns with your wellness.
www.amyadamsaesthetics.com
619- 432- 5789
Carlsbad, CA