What are Endocrine Disruptors? | Switch2Pure

Endocrine Disruptors sound complicated, We get it!

Let’s start with the endocrine system - think of it like a communication network for many important functions of your body. The hormones it produces act as chemical messengers that tell those bodily functions how to work properly, including metabolism, reproduction, growth and development, and mood, among others. When your hormones aren’t communicating properly, things can really get thrown out of whack!

How does this happen?! The culprit: endocrine disruptors.

So, what exactly are endocrine disruptors? They are chemicals commonly found in every day products, including cosmetics, personal care and household cleaning products, to name a few, that interfere with hormones produced by the endocrine system, such as estrogen, testosterone and thyroid hormones. These bad actors play MAJOR tricks on your body by altering hormone levels, blocking hormonal signals, imitating hormones, turning one hormone into another and more. And that’s not all! In addition to wreaking havoc on hormonal balance, they may lead to a number of health issues, including estrogen dominance, lowered sperm count, infertility, developmental issues of a fetus, adrenal imbalances, hypothyroidism, autoimmunity and many types of cancer.

Wait, what?! We know, it is so shocking!

So, what’s a girl to do? Stay SMART! Read labels (and trust S2P and our #ThePuristList - the work is done here for you!) and learn to avoid the following endocrine disruptors: Parabens (usually begins with methyl, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl, or ethyl-), Fragrance (aka Parfum), Phthalates, Formaldehyde releasing preservatives (commonly labeled as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, and bronopol), Triclosan (banned in soap, but not in toothpaste!), Oxybenzone, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate and Bisphenol A (BPA). Read our blog here for more answers on parabens. 

Just because a product is for sale doesn’t mean it’s safe!

The FDA doesn’t have authority to require products or ingredients to be tested for safety prior to being placed on the shelves for sale, leaving it up to you to decide if a product is safe to use. Keep in mind the law that ensures cosmetics and personal care products are “safe” was last updated in 1938, almost 80 years ago! Ingredient lists can be complicated and overwhelming to navigate, which is why Switch2Pure is here to help you transition to pure, clean, natural, and non-toxic, yet effective products that are #safer for you. #SaferMadeSimple to help you #MakeTheSwitch!

Guest Blogger: @organicbeautygoddess