What is a Hormone Disrupter?

Linda Joffe, Founder LGB

My friend was telling me about a serum she was using because it had all plant-based ingredients. When I looked it up, I read the ingredient list. OMG, my friend is a cancer survivor like me, and she is using a product with soybean oil. She has no idea that soy is a major hormone disrupter.

As I formulated the Lush Gardens Beauty skin care products, I researched and chose the ingredients very carefully. Because of my own cancer experience, I created healthy, clean beauty products.

However, the ingredients found in some “clean” brands sound harmless – but are they? And what is a hormone disrupter? Some cosmetic ingredients can trick our hormones into acting in different ways than they’re naturally supposed to behave, potentially causing hormone sensitive cancers.

Although sales of natural and organic skincare products have greatly increased as people opt for a healthier lifestyle, many people are still unaware of the effects of certain ingredients.

Soy
Soybean oil is a common ingredient used in skincare products; however, it is a hormone disrupter. It is rich in phytoestrogens which mimic estrogen. Some types of cancers in women need estrogen to grow. Since my breast cancer diagnosis, I’ve always thought that using soy products was like throwing gasoline on the fire. Some hormone-sensitive cancers are breast, ovarian and uterine (endometrial) which are also fueled by estrogen.

Parabens
You probably know a little about parabens. Parabens are commonly used as preservatives, but these synthetic ingredients have been found to build up in hormone regulating organs and can cause hormone sensitive cancers too. Look for these types of parabens on labels:

– Methyparaben
– Butylparaben
– Propylparaben
– Ethylparaben
– Isobutylparaben
– Benzylparaben

Fragrance Ingredients
I bet you didn’t know that the word “Fragrance” on a label can hide a cocktail of potentially carcinogenic ingredients. Manufacturers can get away with this because fragrance ingredients are considered “Trade Secrets”. Savvy shoppers should consider the words “fragrance and parfum” to mean hidden ingredients. So be on the lookout for the following ingredients on labels:

– Fragrance
– Parfum/Perfume/Aroma
– Linalool
– Citrnellol
– Cinnamal
– Limolene

When I was creating the formulas for Lush Gardens Beauty, it was with the idea that we could have the cleanest beauty products and still have phenomenal results. As my mission statement says – Clean Beauty – Luxurious Results.

What is a Hormone Disrupter?

Submit a Comment Cancel reply