The Hidden Chemicals in Everyday Skin Care. My Understanding of EDC's

The release of this blog coincides with Breast Cancer Uk's annual Prevention Week, in support of their new campaign EDC's: Hiding in plain Sight. I know I talk about it a lot but we really need to be having the conversation around everyday chemical exposure in our personal care products. In reading this blog remember that I am not a scientist or medical professional, I'm passionate about ingredient transparency in our skincare [and food and household products]. This blog is based on my own research and understanding of skincare ingredients and current discussions around endocrine disrupting chemicals.

EDC's, or "Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals" are getting more attention in the skincare world, and for a very good reason. These substances can interfere with the body's hormonal system and are found in many everyday products we use without knowing.

From our lotions and perfumes to shampoos and cosmetics, exposure can happen daily and often from multiple sources at once. They are even be found in food packaging, cookware and clothing, but I am going to focus on our skincare.

For many people who are trying to simplify what they put on their skin, understanding EDC's is becoming an important part of choosing our skincare products carefully.

What Are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals?

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are substances that may mimic, block or interfere with our hormones. Hormones control many essential functions including...

• Growth and development
• Mood and Sleep
• Metabolism
• Fertility and reproduction
• Stress response
• Skin Health

Our hormones work in such small amounts within the body, which is why scientists are studying whether repeated exposure to certain chemicals will interfere with our delicate signalling system.  Research is ongoing, but many scientists and health organisations are raising concerns about long term repeated exposure. 

Common EDC's Found in Skincare

Not every product will contains these ingredients, but some of the most commonly being  discussed include...

Parabens

I have talked about these before, they are used as preservatives to extend shelf life (e numbers) which are also found in our food and are listed as...

• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben

Phthalates

Are a group of chemicals mainly used to make plastics softer. In skincare products they are linked to fragrance because they help scents last longer. Companies can list them as on the label without revealing every chemical used in the scent blend, so without full ingredient transparency if can be difficult to know. Phthalates have been restricted in the UK but may be found in skincare, shampoos and nail polishes and will be listed as...

• Fragrance
• Parfum

Triclosan

Is an antibacterial chemical once commonly used in soaps and personal care products. Concerns around antibiotic resistance, environmental impact, and potential hormone disruption led many companies to phase it out of everyday skincare products. However it can still appear in some products like antibacterial hand soap, deodorants, and toothpaste particularly from those outside of the UK and EU.

Synthetic UV Filters

Some chemical sunscreen ingredients have also been studied for containing hormone disrupting ingredients. These include...

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• Avobezone

Whilst they are effective at helping prevent sunburn and reducing skin damage they have come under scrutiny because some studies suggest they may be absorbed into the bloodstream, Oxybenzone is the one that is the most discussed in relation to EDC's.

PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl substances)

Sometimes called 'Forever Chemicals' because they breakdown extremely slowly in the environment and can remain in water, soil and human body for years. They are used in waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware and food packaging. In cosmetics they have been used to improve a smooth texture, water resistance and durability and have been found in

• Foundation
• Mascara
• Lipstick
• Waterproof makeup

Why We Should Pay More Attention

The skin is our largest organ, and many people are rethinking the number of synthetic ingredients they use daily. The concern is not usually about one single product. It is the cumulative exposure from dozen of products used over years.

Even brands marketed as gentle or sensitive skin friendly have been found to contain these ingredients that are being discussed as potential endocrine disruptors. This also includes products specifically marketed for babies and children, their skin barrier is still developing so are likely to be more sensitive to repeated exposure over time.  Many of the major brands have starting to reformulate some of their products over recent years to remove these ingredients due to growing customer concerns around endocrine disruptors. But it is worth doing some research yourself, it won't take long and you will probably be surprised at some of the brands who are still using EDC ingredients.

When they are being found in our soap, shampoo, deodorant, perfume, moisturiser, makeup, household cleaners it soon adds up! Which is one of the reasons why I decided to create Wild by Nature skincare range, as I like many people have been moving towards simpler formulations and more transparent ingredient lists. 

It is also important to approach this topic sensibly too. Not every synthetic ingredient is harmful, as not every natural ingredient is automatically safe for everyone. So before we all start to panic this is about helping people to understand and to raise awareness. Taking time to reading labels, to fully understand the ingredients and to choose products made with care, enables people to make informed decisions about what they use on their skin and within their homes.

My Approach at Wild by Nature

I keep my formulations simple, I choose natural oils, botanicals, clays, milk, tallow, beeswax and essential oils rather than using bases and synthetic fragrances and unnecessary additives. Skincare does not need to be overly complicated. It's about returning to and using ingredients that people recognise and understand.  And if you have read this far don't rush out and replace all your products overnight, start by changing one or two of your daily skin and household products. Small consistent changes can reduce overall exposure and help simplify a skincare or home routine. The more transparent the ingredient list, the easier it becomes to make choices that align with your values.

This is why awareness around EDC's through Breast Cancer UK and skincare producers like Wild by Nature is growing, because people are asking more questions about what goes into the products they use everyday. Understanding ingredients is not about creating fear, it is, and always will be, about enabling informed choice.

And as I will continue to say "Sometimes the simplest products really are enough"