Hidden Toxins in Your Skincare: Endocrine Disruptors in Cosmetics

As more people become aware of what they eat and use on their bodies, it may come as a surprise that many personal care products—including facial and body creams, and even those marketed for children—are filled with ingredients that may be interfering with your hormones.

These ingredients are known as endocrine disruptors. They are chemicals that can interfere with the body's endocrine system, which regulates essential functions like growth, sleep, metabolism, fertility, and brain development.

Why is their use in cosmetics concerning?

Endocrine disruptors aren't limited to plastics or industrial chemicals. Many are found in everyday products such as:

• Moisturizers

• Sunscreens

• Shampoos and soaps

• Perfumes

• Baby and children's lotions

These substances can be absorbed through the skin—and this is especially risky for children, whose hormonal systems are still developing. Studies have linked these ingredients to:

• Thyroid disorders

• Early or delayed puberty

• Fertility problems

• Altered brain development

• Hormone-related cancers (such as breast or testicular cancer)

  
  

Common Endocrine Disruptors in Cosmetics

Below is a list of the most common endocrine-disrupting ingredients and how to spot them on product labels:

Ingredient Category	Common Names on Labels
Parabens	Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben
Phthalates	Diethyl phthalate (DEP), often hidden under "fragrance"
Synthetic Fragrance	"Fragrance" or "Parfum"
BHA and BHT	Butylated hydroxyanisole, Butylated hydroxytoluene
Triclosan	Triclosan
Oxybenzone	Benzophenone-3
Siloxanes	Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)
PEG Compounds	Polyethylene glycol, PEG-xx (with variable numbers)

How to Avoid Them

• Choose fragrance-free products or those scented only with essential oils.

• Look for labels that say "paraben-free," "phthalate-free," "BHA-free," etc.

• Buy from brands that are transparent about their ingredients and are certified natural, organic, or eco-friendly.

• Use ingredient-checking apps like EWG Skin Deep, Think Dirty, or INCI Beauty.

At Wild Secrets, we believe in conscious beauty. Our products are crafted with natural, endocrine-safe ingredients that care for your skin and your long-term health.

✨ Because your skin deserves love—not toxins.