Many personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, “2-in-1” hair-care products, sunscreens, lotions, deodorants, perfumes and cosmetics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These include phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates), parabens and phenols. Endocrine disruptors trick body tissues into reacting to them as though they were hormones. This can interfere with the normal and appropriate action of hormones. Are your children and grandchildren being exposed to skin care products that could impact their health later in life? A study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives (Sept. 5, 2024) suggests that the use of a variety of skin care products can increase levels of phthalates in children.
Our Love Affair with Chemicals:
Phthalates are everywhere! Most people associate this class of chemicals with plastic. That’s because they are often added to a variety of plastic materials to make them stronger and more flexible. But they are also used in skin care products to help retain scents in fragrances. They are also found in bath toys, nail polish, disposable gloves and a whole variety of personal care products.
Most people do not bother to read labels. Be honest now, when was the last time you checked out the ingredients in your shampoo, conditioner, “2-in-1” hair-care product, moisturizer, sunscreen, deodorant, soap or lotion? What about the products your children or grandchildren use?
In the new study from Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) there were a number endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in young children’s urine including:
- MEP=monoethyl phthalate
- MBP=monobutyl phthalate
- MCPP=mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate
- MBzP=mono-benzyl phthalate
- McIOP=mono-carboxy isooctyl phthalate
There are lots more, but you get the point. The authors of this research report:
“In this retrospective cohort investigation, we found associations between reported use of SCPs [skin care products] and young children’s urinary phthalate/replacement metabolite concentrations. Specifically, use of lotions, oils, and sunscreens were associated with higher urinary levels of primarily LMW [low molecular weight] metabolites.”
“These results suggest that SCPs may be an important source of exposure to both LMW and HMW [high molecular weight] phthalates and their replacements in children 4 to 8 years of age.”
How Do Personal Care Products Affect the Timing of Puberty?
A study published in the journal Human Reproduction tracked more than 300 children from before birth through adolescence (Human Reproduction, Dec. 3, 2018). The scientists measured levels of phenols, phthalates and parabens in mothers’ urine during pregnancy. They analyzed the children’s urine and hormonal development between the ages of nine and thirteen.
Girls exposed to higher levels of these compounds prenatally entered puberty earlier. All of these chemicals from personal care products are estrogen mimics, which probably explains why girls were strongly affected and boys were not.
It’s not just prenatal chemical exposure. A study in the journal Endocrinology (October, 2024) reports that girls exposed to endocrine disruptors are more likely to begin puberty early.
These investigators tracked a fragrance called musk ambrette. Bet you never heard of it before. It may have found you, though. This scent is found in perfumes, cosmetics, personal care products and even detergents. The European Union and Canada stopped using this fragrance in the 1990s because of concerns related to neurotoxicity in rodents. It is still found in noncosmetic products in the US and possibly even some personal care products.
Nonstick Coatings Affect Male Sexual Development:
A separate study has demonstrated that boys are also at risk if exposed to certain chemicals. Italian scientists found that perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) are linked to reduced penis size and less mobile sperm. These chemicals are used to make nonstick cookware, grease-proof food packaging and stain-resistant fabrics for upholstery.
The researchers took advantage of PFC contamination of water in the Veneto, the part of Italy that surrounds Padua and Venice. Young men from this region showed these abnormalities of sexual development not apparent in men from other parts of Italy (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, online Nov. 6, 2018). Those with higher levels of PFCs in their seminal fluid had poor semen quality and shortened anogenital distance.
The investigators also performed laboratory experiments that showed two PFCs in particular, PFOA and PFOS, bind to cells’ receptors for testosterone. This keeps testosterone out of the cells and interferes with its activity.
Final Words:
The Europeans have adopted something called the “Precautionary Principle.” If there are not enough data to evaluate the safety of chemicals found in shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, sunscreens, deodorants, soaps or lotions, the regulators are, in theory, supposed to deny approval.
In the US, we have a different philosophy that some have categorized as “Innocent Until Proven Guilty.” That makes it much harder to regulate endocrine disruptors such as phthalates and parabens. If you are concerned about these issues, you may want to listen to our podcast at this link.
Show 1102: How Do Endocrine Disruptors Affect Your Health?
