Hormone disrupting chemicals such as xeno-estrogens are known to mimic the effect of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in the body. They are widely used as ingredients for many personal care products, such as makeup, sunscreens, and skincare products, such as anti-aging creams, especially since research has shown that such chemicals, especially xeno-estrogens are effective in stimulating collagen production in the body, thus decreasing wrinkles, and they are also known to be effective for skin hydration.
“Hormone creams” date back to the early 20th century, during the days of Helena Rubinstein. She was the first to create hormone creams in order to maintain her youthful skin and even today, creams are enriched with such estrogenic compounds. However, when used in great amounts, products hormone disrupting chemicals are quite harmful.
Research has indicated that the addition of hormones and extracts in personal care products could be linked to early sexual maturation. Increased use of these products may also increase the incidence of breast cancer, especially amongst young African-American women. Hormones, such as progesterone, occurring in high concentrations in placental extracts and other estrogenic chemicals are often included in hair relaxers and hair dyes marketed towards women of color. This is compounded with the fact that we absorb estrogen mimickers and other carcinogenic chemicals more so through absorption of the skin than we would orally. Exposure to such hazardous compounds can be avoided if one is made more aware of how to choose the right personal care products by knowing what chemicals are potential red flags to avoid.
It is wise to limit exposure to products containing estrogenic chemicals because they can increase the risk for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Some common ingredients to avoid in personal care products include camphor related chemicals in sunscreens, and placental extract in conditioners and shampoos. Placental extract is sourced from animals and contains a hormone known as progesterone, a major hormonal contaminant. Similarly, paragons are known as estrogenic compounds that are used in creams, lotions and ointments as result of their antimicrobial and anti fungal properties, and should be avoided. Another group of compounds that should be generally avoided are phthalates, a group of estrogen-disrupting chemicals that are commonly found in cosmetics, and are readily absorbed through the skin.
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