Endocrine disruptors and natural cosmetics: A path to hormone-friendly care

Our skin is more than just the shell that surrounds us—it's an active organ that interacts with our body and absorbs substances. What we apply to our skin can have deeper effects on our organism than we might think. One topic that's receiving increasing attention is the influence of endocrine disruptors in cosmetic products.

What are endocrine disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are chemical substances that can disrupt the body's hormonal balance. They affect the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, insulin, and many others. These substances can block, mimic, or override hormonal messages, thereby causing disruption.

A specific example is bisphenol A (BPA) , which is frequently found in plastic packaging and, in small amounts, in cosmetics. BPA mimics the effects of the hormone estrogen and can therefore disrupt hormonal balance. It is suspected of promoting fertility problems and hormone-related diseases such as breast and prostate cancer. Even small amounts of BPA can impair fetal development in pregnant women.

Another example is parabens , which are used as preservatives in many cosmetic products. Parabens also have an estrogen-like effect by binding to estrogen receptors in the body. This binding can disrupt natural hormonal processes and is suspected of promoting the growth of hormone-dependent tumors such as breast cancer. They can also affect the endocrine balance, which can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle .

Common examples of endocrine disruptors in cosmetics include:

• Phthalates (in perfumes and nail polishes)

• Parabens (as preservatives)

• Triclosan (antibacterial agents)

• UV filters such as oxybenzone (in sunscreens)

• Silicones ( common in hair and skin care products, which are not directly considered EDCs, but are under discussion due to their impact on the environment and indirect effects)

How do endocrine disruptors affect health?

The effects of EDCs on the hormonal system can be far-reaching:

• Hormonal disorders: These can contribute to irregularities in the menstrual cycle, missed periods, infertility, and even hormone-related cancers.

• Metabolic problems: EDCs are suspected of promoting obesity and diabetes.

• Developmental disorders: Especially in pregnant women, they can negatively affect the development of the unborn child.

• Neurological effects: Studies suggest that some EDCs are associated with behavioral and learning disorders.

Natural cosmetics as a hormone-friendly alternative

More and more people are choosing natural cosmetics to minimize potential health risks and protect the environment. Natural cosmetics are characterized by the absence of synthetic substances that can act as endocrine disruptors. Here are some of the benefits:

• Natural ingredients: Natural cosmetics are based on plant and mineral raw materials that are biodegradable and generally well tolerated, such as the tigoderm line from tigogreen.

• No harmful chemicals: Good natural cosmetics manufacturers avoid parabens, synthetic fragrances and other potential EDCs.

• Skin compatibility: Natural care products reduce the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

• Sustainability: Natural cosmetics brands often rely on environmentally friendly packaging and production processes, which not only protects health but also the environment.

Endocrine disruptors and the environment

The effects of endocrine disruptors are not limited to humans. They are just as problematic in the environment. Many of these substances enter rivers, lakes, and oceans via wastewater, detergents, or plastic waste. There, they exert a toxic effect on wildlife:

• Threat to wildlife: A well-known example is the bald eagle in North America. In the 1970s, reproductive disorders were observed in these majestic birds, linked to EDCs such as DDT and other pesticides. These substances impair eggshell formation, causing the eggs to become brittle and resulting in fewer young birds hatching.

• Fish and amphibians: EDCs such as phthalates and UV filters in water can impair reproduction in fish and frogs. Increased female traits have been observed in male fish, endangering populations.

• Plants and microorganisms: Even plants can be impaired in their growth by hormone-like substances, while important microorganisms in the water are also damaged, which throws the entire ecosystem out of balance.

Tips for hormone-friendly care

1. Read the ingredients list: Look for ingredients like parabens, silicones, phthalates, and synthetic UV filters, and avoid products that contain them. Also, look for microplastic-free, ideally refillable packaging, and favor glass, wood, and natural materials.

2. Prefer natural cosmetics: Choose products like the tigoderm day cream or the tigoderm night cream with recognized seals and from animal testing-free production to ensure that they meet strict standards.

3. Minimalist skincare: Less is often more – rely on a few well-chosen products. Four different facial skincare products are absolutely sufficient: cleanser, serum, day cream, and night cream. Here's a guide to an optimal, minimalist skincare routine.

4. Make it yourself: DIY cosmetics with natural ingredients such as plant oils, essential oils, butters and hydrolyzed plant extracts are a safe alternative.

5. Raise awareness: Share your knowledge about EDCs and their risks to raise awareness in your community.

Conclusion

Switching to natural cosmetics is a step toward hormone-friendly skincare and a more conscious lifestyle. By minimizing exposure to endocrine disruptors, we can not only protect our own health but also contribute to protecting our environment. Our skin will thank us – and so will our hormonal system.