Skincare Ingredients That Disrupt Your Hormones: What to Know

Every day you put products on your body, face, hands, and lips without a second thought. Moisturiser, sunscreen, foundation, deodorant, shampoo. The assumption is that if it is sold in a pharmacy or department store, it has been tested and it is safe. The reality is more nuanced than that, and worth understanding.

Some common skincare and beauty ingredients have the ability to interfere with your endocrine system, the network of glands and hormones that regulates everything from your metabolism and mood to your reproductive health and skin. These are called endocrine disruptors. Knowing about them is not about fear, it is about making informed choices about what goes on and in your body.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used in a huge range of cosmetics and personal care products to extend shelf life. The concern is that they are xenoestrogens, meaning they can mimic oestrogen in the body. Research has found parabens in breast tissue samples and linked prolonged exposure to hormonal disruption. They appear on ingredient labels as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben. They are straightforward to avoid once you know what to look for.

Phthalates

Phthalates are plasticising chemicals used to make fragrances last longer and to improve the texture of nail polishes and hair sprays. They rarely appear clearly on labels because they are often hidden inside the word "fragrance" or "parfum." Studies have linked phthalates to developmental and reproductive issues, and they have been detected in human blood, urine, and breast milk. Choosing products with transparent fragrance ingredients, or no synthetic fragrance at all, is the most practical way to reduce your exposure.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

SLS is the foaming agent found in most conventional cleansers, shampoos, and toothpastes. It is effective at removing oil and dirt, but it is also a known skin irritant. Regular use can strip the skin's natural oils, disrupt the skin microbiome, and worsen conditions like eczema and rosacea. For anyone with reactive or sensitive skin, removing SLS-heavy products from your routine is often one of the first changes that makes a visible difference.

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. It is used as a preservative in some cosmetics and also appears as a byproduct of other common preservatives like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea. Prolonged skin exposure can cause sensitisation and allergic reactions. Because formaldehyde releasers work slowly and invisibly, they are easy to miss on a label.

Synthetic fragrances

The word "fragrance" on a label can represent a blend of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are allergens, some hormone disruptors, and some that accumulate in body tissue over time. Under current regulation, companies are not required to disclose what is in their fragrance blend, which makes it one of the hardest categories to navigate. If you have sensitive skin or hormonal health concerns, fragrance-free products or those using disclosed natural fragrance are the safer choice.

Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is a UV filter in many chemical sunscreens. It has been flagged as a potential hormone disruptor and has been detected in breast milk, blood, and urine after skin application. Mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the safer and more environmentally responsible alternative, and have improved considerably in terms of texture and wear.

Mineral oil

Mineral oil is a petroleum derivative commonly used as an emollient in moisturisers and baby products. It creates a film on the skin that can clog pores and prevent proper elimination. Plant-derived alternatives like jojoba, rosehip, and squalane are effective, clean substitutes.

How to make the switch without the overwhelm

You do not need to throw everything out at once. The most practical approach is to start with the products you use most often and leave on your skin the longest: your moisturiser, sunscreen, and body lotion. Check labels for parabens, phthalates, SLS, synthetic fragrance, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Look for brands that list every ingredient transparently, including what is in their fragrance.

Our full ingredient list is on our ingredients page. Our bio-cellulose sheet masks contain no parabens, no SLS, and no synthetic fragrance. That is not a marketing claim; it is a non-negotiable we built in from day one.