Endocrine disruptor: definition, effects and tips to avoid them

Invisible to the naked eye, yet terribly harmful, endocrine disruptors are everywhere: they slip into our bathrooms, find their way into our makeup bags, settle on our furniture and even our walls, are present in our Tupperware containers, and even end up in our babies' cribs…

Endocrine disruptors are all those insidious chemical substances capable of interfering in one way or another with our hormonal system (our endocrine system), even in minute doses. Some are banned, others regulated, and some are widely suspected of causing harm without being subject to clear regulations, limitations, or outright bans.

So how do we find our way through it all? How do we become aware of, identify, decipher and gradually eliminate these dangerous products from our daily lives and environment?

In this article, we will guide you through this process to:

• Understanding what an endocrine disruptor is.
• Identify the specific risks to your health and that of your loved ones.
• Discover why it is still found in so many cosmetic products.
• Review the current regulations.
• Learn to spot them and avoid them.

What is an endocrine disruptor?

What is the endocrine system?

Before even discussing endocrine disruptors , it's helpful to have a good overview of what's called the endocrine system : also known as the hormonal system, it's a bit like our body's central clock . It functions thanks to a network of glands (thyroid, pituitary, ovaries, testicles, etc.) that secrete hormones . These messengers circulate throughout the body to regulate vital functions such as growth, reproduction, metabolism, sleep, and mood.

Everything is finely orchestrated: the interactions are numerous and complex, and also depend on other elements: the liver, the intestines, the brain, stress, diet, the environment… When this system is disrupted by external factors, everything can become desynchronized, leading to a cascade of diverse and varied symptoms. This is essentially what endocrine disruptors do.

Note: In people with chronic hormonal disorders such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), hypothyroidism, or certain forms of endometriosis, repeated exposure to endocrine disruptors can worsen symptoms or complicate treatment. These individuals are therefore strongly encouraged to limit their exposure.

So, what exactly is an endocrine disruptor?

Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances capable of influencing the endocrine system by:

• mimicking certain natural hormones (the “usurper” effect);
• blocking their action (antagonist effect);
• or disrupting their production, transport or disposal .

Even a tiny dose can have significant effects on the endocrine system. It's easy to imagine the repercussions when we accumulate exposure throughout the day, every day.

This is the real problem: even though regulations exist and are regularly reviewed, they don't take into account people's overall exposure and its cumulative effect. This is what's called the cocktail effect : a little here, a little there… and ultimately, chronic exposure with very real consequences.

Where are endocrine disruptors hiding?

As mentioned in the introduction, endocrine disruptors are everywhere:

• In cosmetic products : creams, deodorants, makeup, perfumes…
• In hygiene products : toothpaste, shampoos, shower gels, wipes, feminine hygiene products.
• Household products include: disinfectants, multi-purpose sprays, window cleaners…
• In food-grade plastics : storage boxes, stretch films, bottles, lids, packaging.
• Among the kitchen utensils : non-stick pans, spatulas, old baby bottles…
• In textiles : clothing, curtains, sofas, carpets (especially stain-resistant or fire-retardant treatments).
• In furniture and mattresses : glues, varnishes, foams, flame retardants.
• In toys and children's objects : soft plastics, paints, inks…
• In building materials and paints : solvents, glues, wall coverings.
• In tap water (residues of pesticides or medicines).
• In some foods (via pesticides, or migration from packaging).
• In electronic products : computers, phones, televisions (via flame retardants).
• In thermal till receipts (bisphenol A or S).
• In pharmaceutical products (certain hormonal treatments or drug residues in the environment).
• In the air …

Here are some concrete examples of endocrine disruptors that are frequently encountered :

• Parabens : preservatives used in creams, deodorants, shower gels.
• Phthalates : perfume fixatives often hidden under the label “fragrance” or “parfum”.
• Bisphenol A (or S) : food-grade plastic, till receipts.
• Triclosan, BHA, BHT : disinfectants or antioxidants in toothpastes, facial care products, etc.
• Chemical UV filters : present in sunscreens.

And these are just a few examples!

Discover our article on dangerous cosmetic products , which include endocrine disruptors, but also allergens and carcinogens.

The additional problem is that, while cosmetics have a regulated list of ingredients, most other everyday products are not required to display their chemical composition.

There are no "ingredients" labels on furniture, paint, or sofas, and no visible warnings on products containing flame retardants or solvents. As a result, much of our exposure is blind, without the possibility of informed control.

It is then very difficult to report our actual exposure; a good reason to find out more, and initially eliminate all those that are “visible”, in cosmetics or cleaning products for example.

Note: Laboratory tests are available to determine the amount of endocrine disruptors stored in our bodies. This involves a blood test that can be requested without a prescription, and will then be performed at your own expense.

Measuring health risks

As we have just seen, the presence of endocrine disruptors in our body is practically inevitable: they are everywhere, and we are in contact with them on a daily basis.

We “collect” them in many ways, and they interact with our endocrine system in several ways, all of them harmful.

How do endocrine disruptors enter our bodies?

• By ingestion : When eating or drinking contaminated food:
  • fruits/vegetables with pesticide residues,
  • food that has been in contact with plastic (bisphenol A, phthalates),
  • water containing drug or chemical residues.
    
    
• By inhalation : By breathing in particles or vapors:
  • fumes from household products,
  • volatile pollutants in indoor air (varnishes, glues, paints),
  • household dusts containing flame retardants or plasticizers.
    
    
• Through skin contact : By applying to the skin or by touching contaminated surfaces :
  • cosmetics (creams, makeup, shampoos),
  • detergents or household products handled without gloves
  • treated textiles or furniture (stain-resistant, fire-retardant, etc.).
    
    
• Transplacental route : Some endocrine disruptors cross the placenta during pregnancy , exposing the fetus in utero.
  
  
• Through breastfeeding : Fat-soluble endocrine disruptors (stored in fats) can pass into breast milk .

How do endocrine disruptors influence our hormonal system?

Hormones are like keys that circulate in the blood to open or close certain bodily functions: growth, reproduction, sleep, metabolism… It is a whole system of codes and receptors, where each hormone plays a key role.

Endocrine disruptors, on the other hand, are imitators, blockers, or saboteurs:

• They take the place of a real hormone (like a fake badge that fools a doorman).
• Or they prevent the good hormone from binding where it needs to act.
• Sometimes they alter the hormone production itself, making it too strong or too weak.

Regardless of their exact behavior, from the moment a molecule affects the normal behavior of a hormone and the endocrine system, it is classified as an endocrine disruptor.

Hormonally regulated vital functions are disrupted , and the consequences can be very serious, especially when it comes to key periods of development (fetus, early childhood, adolescence).

Good to know: Exposure to endocrine disruptors during pregnancy can influence the biological sex of the fetus, alter brain formation, or even have an impact on the child's future behavior.

What are the effects on human health?

Endocrine disruptors can therefore:

• Impair fertility

  By disrupting the production or quality of eggs and sperm, or by scrambling the signals necessary for ovulation or embryo implantation.

  This leads to difficulties conceiving, an increased risk of miscarriage, or more frequent recourse to medically assisted reproduction.

• To cause thyroid disorders

  The thyroid is a gland extremely sensitive to hormonal interference. A disruptive factor can cause it to speed up or slow down its activity.

  This can result in chronic fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, or even mood changes.

• Accelerating puberty

  Some endocrine disruptors mimic estrogen, which can trigger early puberty, especially in girls.

  We then observe an abnormal appearance of signs of puberty before 8–9 years of age (too early onset of menstruation, breast development or hair growth before the normal age), with a physical but also emotional impact on the child.

• Promoting certain cancers

  Breast, prostate, and testicular cancers are said to be "hormone-dependent." When a disruptor abnormally stimulates a hormone receptor, it can promote the growth of cells already sensitive to those signals.

  This can promote the multiplication of cancer cells, a faster progression of the disease, and even reduced effectiveness of certain hormonal treatments. In cases of predisposition (for example, a family history of hormone-dependent cancers), it is all the more important to examine the issue of endocrine disruptors and avoid them as much as possible.

• Affecting fetal development

  In the unborn baby, the hormonal system is still developing. The brain, reproductive organs, metabolism: everything is under construction during pregnancy and the first years of life. Early exposure can therefore have lasting consequences , even in adulthood.

  The risks include malformations, developmental delays (language, attention…), abnormalities in sexual differentiation, cognitive or behavioral disorders detected later in childhood…

Note: The WHO (World Health Organization) considers exposure to endocrine disruptors to be a major threat to public health worldwide.

Endocrine disruptors thus affect our health, but not only that: they are also harmful to the environment and biodiversity, impacting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

What are the current regulations?

One might imagine that, given the health risks, endocrine disruptors would be strictly regulated, or even banned. And yet… the regulations remain very incomplete.

The measures that exist vary greatly depending on the country, the sector of activity, and the substances concerned. As a result, it is still possible to encounter known endocrine disruptors in products we use every day.

In Europe, a framework that is progressing slowly

The European Union has put in place several texts to regulate chemical substances, including:

• Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetics , which prohibits certain substances classified as dangerous.
• The REACH regulation , which requires the registration and evaluation of many chemical substances, with a precautionary principle.
• The Biocidal Products Directive or the Toy Directive , which sometimes mention disruptive substances.

However, these texts encounter several limitations:

• Not all endocrine disruptors are yet officially identified or recognized in regulatory lists.
• The assessments are done substance by substance, while the cocktail effect — that is, the combination of several disruptors — is not taken into account.
• Some substances are only restricted , but not totally prohibited.

Internationally: significant disparities

In the United States, Canada, Japan, and elsewhere, regulations vary considerably . Some substances banned in Europe may be permitted elsewhere, and vice versa. The responsibility for safety often rests with manufacturers, which complicates transparency for consumers .

And in cosmetics?

The cosmetics sector is one of the most closely monitored , but that doesn't mean it's free of problematic substances. Many suspected endocrine disruptors are still used in skincare products, including:

• UV filters in sunscreens,
• preservatives (such as phenoxyethanol or certain parabens),
• perfumes containing phthalates, often disguised under the generic term "perfume".

Want to learn more? Check out our dedicated article: Regulations on endocrine disruptors: understanding and complying for a detailed view on this subject.

How to hunt down endocrine disruptors?

Hunting down endocrine disruptors doesn't mean living in fear or replacing your entire house overnight!

It's primarily about opening your eyes , making more informed choices , and gradually regaining control over what you apply, breathe, or consume on a daily basis. Here are the first steps to take to progressively reduce your exposure.

1. Learn to spot them

The first step is knowing where to look and what to track . And that starts with three good habits.

Read the labels (INCI)

Cosmetic products display a complete list of their ingredients, known as the INCI list . But understanding the often complex names can be challenging. Some endocrine disruptors are clearly identifiable: parabens, phenoxyethanol, triclosan, cyclopentasiloxane, etc. Others are hidden under vague terms like "parfum" or "fragrance."

Use analytics applications

To save time (or start without stress), some apps like INCI Beauty , Yuka or QuelCosmetic allow you to scan your products and identify ingredients to avoid.

It's not perfect, but it's a good starting point. By using them regularly, you'll become familiar with product names and their associated hazards.

Trust the good labels

Not all labels guarantee the absence of endocrine disruptors. However, some labels are true indicators of trustworthiness. Examples include:

• Cosmébio,
• COSMOS,
• Nature & Progress…

To learn more about the best labels guaranteeing the absence of endocrine disruptors , check out our article and delve deeper into the subject.

2. Simplify your routine: less is more

You don't need 12 products to take care of yourself. Simplifying your routine is often an opportunity to eliminate disruptive elements... without even realizing it.

• Choose short and easy-to-read formulas (fewer ingredients = less risk).
• Avoid duplication: a well-chosen vegetable oil can replace a serum, a night cream and an eye cream.
• Turn to multi-purpose basics : Aleppo soap, jojoba oil, clay, aloe vera…

3. Hunt piece by piece

Rather than trying to change everything, it's better to proceed piece by piece , starting with the easiest products to replace and the most exposed.

• If you can't bear to throw them away, finish your current products, then replace them one by one, making more informed choices. During this time, you can do some research, compare prices, and evaluate labels…
• Start with the simplest, most everyday, most accessible.
• And remember: every little change counts.

In the bathroom

• Deodorant, toothpaste, moisturizer, makeup, sanitary products: these are the products most directly absorbed by the skin or mucous membranes.
• Start with the ones you use every day .

To learn more: Cosmetics: how to avoid endocrine disruptors to protect your health

In the kitchen

• Replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel .
• Avoid cling film , and steer clear of questionable utensils (scratched pans, plastic spatulas).
• Opt for simple or homemade household products (vinegar, bicarbonate, black soap…).

In the bedroom and living room

• Ventilate regularly: chemical particles accumulate in dust .
• Limit or eliminate scented candles, air fresheners, incense…
• In the long term, you can favour untreated furniture , or furniture certified free of toxic solvents.

In short, hunt with intention, but without pressure. You'll never eliminate all endocrine disruptors from your environment. But you can significantly reduce their impact by making conscious and committed choices.

• Start with what affects your skin .
• Trust reliable benchmarks , not marketing promises.
• And move forward at your own pace , with full awareness.