How Cosmetics Can Influence Your Hormones
Hidden Dangers in Creams, Lotions & Co.
And How to Protect Yourself
Video: The Truth About Ingredients
This short video provides insight into why a close look at the ingredient list of your cosmetic products is crucial. It also shows that there are ways to find out what is really in your products.
Hormonal Disruptors: What Lurks in Your Cosmetics?
Many everyday cosmetic products – from face creams and body lotions to makeup – contain chemical substances that can act as hormonal disruptors (also known as endocrine disruptors). This means they can disturb the delicate balance of your body's own hormones and potentially lead to various health problems. Your skin absorbs these substances, and they enter your system.
Parabens
Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Propylparaben) are often used as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in water-containing products. Studies suggest they can mimic the effect of the female hormone estrogen in the body (estrogenic effect). This can disrupt the hormonal balance and is linked to various health concerns, including effects on reproductive organs and a potentially increased risk for certain types of cancer.
Studies
- Aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse betrachten Parabene als potenziell hormonell wirksame Substanzen (endocrine-disrupting chemicals, EDCs), die daher als Chemikalien mit wachsender Aufmerksamkeit eingestuft werden.
- Die offizielle wissenschaftliche Bewertung der EU zu Methylparaben und dessen Verwendung als Konservierungsstoff in Kosmetika, einschließlich der aktuellen Grenzwerte.
- Der niederländische Bericht zur Exposition und Toxizität verschiedener Parabene mit besonderem Fokus auf die wissenschaftliche Diskussion über mögliche hormonelle Effekte.
Phthalates
Phthalates (e.g., Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP)) are plasticizers often used to make fragrances last longer or nail polish more flexible. They are strongly suspected of disrupting the endocrine system. Animal studies showed negative effects on reproductive ability and offspring development. Although the evidence in humans is still debated, research shows widespread population exposure to phthalates and possible links to male infertility and birth defects (see e.g., report on NCBI). They often do not need to be explicitly declared if they are part of a fragrance mixture ("Parfum", "Fragrance").
Studies
- Diese Übersichtsarbeit fasst wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse zu Phthalaten zusammen, die als weitverbreitete Chemikalien in vielen Produkten verwendet werden und als hormonell wirksame Substanzen diskutiert werden.
- Vier Phthalate (DEHP, BBP, DBP und DIBP) wurden von der Europäischen Chemikalienagentur aufgrund ihrer potenziell hormonell wirksamen Eigenschaften als besonders besorgniserregende Stoffe identifiziert.
- Die aktuelle Risikobewertung der Europäischen Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit zu verschiedenen Phthalaten, die auch in Verpackungsmaterialien vorkommen können.
Silicones
Silicones (often recognizable by endings like -cone, -conol, or -siloxane) give products a silky texture and a smooth skin feel. However, they often form a film on the skin that can seal it (occlusion). While this effect can temporarily lock in moisture, it potentially hinders natural skin respiration and can lead to impurities in the long run. Some silicone compounds, especially certain cyclosiloxanes (like D4 and D5), are suspected of accumulating in the body and being hormonally active. Additionally, many silicones are poorly biodegradable and pollute the environment.
Studies
- Diese Studie zeigt, dass zyklische Siloxane (D4, D5, D6) durch die menschliche Haut diffundieren können und sich in verschiedenen Hautschichten anreichern.
- Eine umfassende Bewertung der Sicherheit von zyklischen Siloxanen (Cyclomethiconen) in kosmetischen Produkten durch das Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel.
- Die Europäische Kommission hat am 16. Mai 2024 eine Beschränkung für Siloxane D4, D5 und D6 erlassen, um die Umwelt zu schützen. Diese Maßnahme soll bis zu 90% der Emissionen dieser sehr persistenten und bioakkumulierenden Substanzen reduzieren.
Mineral Oils
Mineral oils (names like Paraffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum, Cera Microcristallina) are inexpensive fats derived from petroleum. They form an impermeable film on the skin. Similar to silicones, they can seal the skin and clog pores. They do not provide the skin with valuable nutrients or vitamins. A major issue is that mineral oils, depending on their purity, can be contaminated with aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH - Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Some of these MOAH are suspected of being carcinogenic and accumulating in the body.
Studies
- Diese aktualisierte Risikobewertung der EFSA betrachtet die komplexe Zusammensetzung von Mineralölkohlenwasserstoffen, unterteilt in gesättigte (MOSH) und aromatische (MOAH) Fraktionen.
- Laut BfR sind hochraffinierten Mineralöle in Kosmetika nach aktuellem Kenntnisstand bei dermaler Anwendung nicht mit gesundheitlichen Risiken verbunden, sofern sie bestimmte Reinheitskriterien erfüllen.
- Diese Bewertung betrachtet speziell die aromatische Fraktion von Mineralölen (MOAH), die besonders kritisch diskutiert wird.
You don't have to remain uncertain! As indicated in the video, there are simple ways to check your products for concerning ingredients and find safer alternatives.
Check Your Products Now!
Unsure about what's in your creams and lotions? Use the option mentioned in the video and have the ingredients of your skincare products analyzed:
Check Ingredients Now!People Also Ask
Wie können Kosmetika den Hormonhaushalt beeinflussen?
Many conventional cosmetic products contain so-called endocrine disruptors (hormone-active substances). These chemicals can enter the bloodstream through the skin and mimic, block, or interfere with the natural production of the body's own hormones.
Welche Inhaltsstoffe in Hautpflegeprodukten gelten als hormonell wirksam?
The most common hormonally active additives include parabens (preservatives), phthalates (plasticizers in fragrances), certain UV filters (like oxybenzone), and some silicone compounds. These are suspected of throwing the endocrine system out of balance.
Was sind die gesundheitlichen Risiken von endokrinen Disruptoren in Kosmetik?
Long-term exposure to these chemicals is linked by researchers to various health problems, including fertility disorders, developmental issues, an increased risk of certain types of cancer, as well as metabolic and immune problems.
Wie erkenne und vermeide ich hormonaktive Substanzen in meinen Produkten?
The safest way is to carefully study the INCI list (ingredients) and avoid products with additives like parabens, phthalates, or questionable chemical UV filters. Certified natural cosmetics or specialized analysis apps can help in choosing safer, hormone-free alternatives.
Sind wasserfreie Kosmetikprodukte besser für den Hormonhaushalt?
Yes, water-free (waterless) cosmetics generally do not require aggressive synthetic preservatives like parabens, as bacteria cannot grow without water. This enormously reduces the risk of being exposed to hormonally active pollutants through daily care.