In this article you’ll discover why switching to toxin-free beauty products is a great way to support your hormone health. We’re sharing 3 easy ways to switch to toxin-free products and some great DIY recipes to try at home.
If you’re getting symptoms of hormone imbalances like period pains, poor skin, weight gain or irregular periods, or you’ve tested with FUTURE WOMAN and we’ve discovered high levels of inflammation or oxidative stress, then switching to toxin-free cleaning products is vitally important for your health.
Why are my beauty products harmful?
We are exposed to toxins on a daily basis. From our morning commute to the products we clean our homes with, to the foods we eat and the things we put on our skin.
According to the Endocrine Society there are as many as 85,000 man-made chemicals. And of those, over 1,000 may be hormone disrupting, meaning they have the potential to disrupt our hormones at every stage of their development.
Many hormonal disorders have been linked to endocrine disrupting chemicals including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts and more.
Our skin is the largest organ of the body and it absorbs everything we put on it. Personal care products like body lotions, make up, deodorants and fragrances can be full of synthetic chemicals that may be disruptive to general health, reproductive and hormone health.
What are the main chemicals to watch out for in personal care products?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the endocrine disruptors found in products you might be using on a daily basis.
- Phthalates, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), and propylene glycol found in shampoo and body washes may cause hormone imbalance and foetal development issues.
- Parabens and polyethylene glycol found in body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel may cause hormone disruption as well as skin irritation and rashes. If you are using all of these products regularly, you can see how your toxic load can start to build up.
- Benzophenone found in fragrances, shampoo, conditioner, and moisturiser is also linked to hormone disruption and organ toxicity.
- Fragrance/parfum, often listed as this on a label but with no indication of the chemicals that go into making that fragrance, some of which may cause allergies and reproductive issues. Always choose products that are either fragrance-free or include fragrance from essential oils.
Other chemicals to watch out for in personal care products include: polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, aluminium zirconium (found in deodorants), isopropyl myristate, benzaldehyde, toluene, and polyethylene glycol.
Beware green washing!
As consumers become more aware of the contents of the products they are buying, companies will often find ways to make products sound more appealing by making them appear body and planet-friendly. Be wary of packaging using the words ‘natural’, ‘organic’, ‘eco-friendly’ on the front, to make you think it’s a better option. The reality is that a tiny percentage of the product may be ‘natural’ or contain organic ingredients and the rest is not so natural! This is what is known as greenwashing.
As with food shopping, always read the labels when buying personal care products. Better still, do a quick search on the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep® database to see if the product is listed there.
Can I test for exposure to toxic chemicals?
Yes. In fact, our ability to detoxify these chemicals is hugely important. Supporting our detoxification pathways is vital, as well as reducing our overall exposure.
We can assess your exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in our Advanced Hormone Tests, and how efficiently you detoxify hormones and other harmful substances, by investigating a few key markers.
3 Toxin-Free Personal Care Alternatives
Now you know how important reducing your toxic exposure is, let’s take a look at some easy swaps and DIY recipes when it comes to personal care products.
1. Body Lotion
DIY recipe
Pour the following ingredients into a 200 ml dark glass container and shake to mix. This is amazing for adding to your skin after a bath or shower. Give the bottle a shake before each use.
- 4 tsp sweet almond oil
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp avocado or jojoba oil
- 20 total drops of an essential oil or combination of oils of your choice.
(We like a combo of jasmine, as it is antimicrobial, and cypress, to reduce stress. )
Buy toxin-free
The Honest Beauty Company was founded by Jessica Alba as a brand that cares for both people and the planet. We particularly love their fragrance-free face & body lotion as it is verified by the Environmental Working Group, meaning it meets the highest standards in health and wellness.
2. Shower Gel
DIY recipe
Place the following ingredients in a jug and mix well with a spoon (don’t use a blender). Add to a container (preferably a dark one to preserve the essential oil) for use in the shower.
- 3 tbsp liquid castile soap
- 3 tbsp raw or manuka honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 drops of essential oil of a fragrance you like (e.g. orange oil)
Buy toxin-free
We love Attitude’s mission of, “high-performance, clean ingredients, less plastic, more trees.” Another Environmental Working Group verified product, as well as being vegan and cruelty-free. They have a great range of shower gels and also offer an eco-refill option to reduce waste.
3. Shampoo & Conditioner
DIY recipe
Naturally condition your hair with this easy at-home hair mask. Blend the following ingredients together in a blender to a smooth paste. Smooth over your hair and comb through. Cover with a shower cap for 45 mins then rinse off.
- 1 ½ avocados
- 2 tablespoons manuka honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ lemon, juiced
Buy toxin-free
Green People certified organic hair products are SLS-free, silicon-free, and gluten-free. Originally created by a mother looking for alternative products for her allergy and eczema-prone toddler. We particularly love the scent-free conditioner as it contains no fragrance or essential oils.
Key takeaways for toxin-free cleaning
- The skin is the largest organ of the body and has the ability to absorb what we put on it.
- Certain chemicals in personal care products have the potential to cause hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, inflammation, and irritation.
- Key chemicals to look out for in personal care products are phthalates, parabens, and benzophenone.
- Switching to our FUTURE WOMAN approved toxin-free alternatives, or making your own at home is a great way to reduce your exposure.
- The Advanced Hormone Test can indicate the impact of your exposure to environmental toxins and EDCs.
