If you've been paying attention to the clean beauty conversation lately, you've probably come across the term endocrine disruptors. It sounds clinical and a little alarming, but understanding what it actually means is more useful than feeling worried about it.
Here's a straightforward look at what endocrine disruptors are, where they commonly appear, and how we think about them when formulating at Eartha.
What are endocrine disruptors?
The endocrine system is your body's hormonal network. It regulates everything from sleep and metabolism to mood, reproduction, and development. Hormones are the chemical messengers that keep this system running.
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with how this system functions. They may mimic natural hormones, block hormone receptors, or affect how hormones are produced and broken down. Researchers have been studying their effects for decades, and while the science is still evolving, many health and regulatory bodies around the world have identified certain chemicals as warranting caution.
This is not a reason to panic. It is a reason to be informed.
Where are they commonly found?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals appear across a wide range of everyday products. Some of the most commonly cited include:
Personal care and beauty products Parabens are preservatives used widely in cosmetics and skincare. Phthalates are often found in synthetic fragrances and are not always individually disclosed on ingredient labels, as they can be grouped under the term "fragrance" or "parfum."
Chemical sunscreens Certain UV filters used in chemical sunscreens, including oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate, have been flagged by some researchers as potentially hormone-interfering. Mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally considered a cleaner alternative.
Food and diet Non-organic meat and dairy may contain traces of hormones or antibiotics used in farming. Processed and packaged foods, including those with artificial colouring, flavouring, or preservatives, are another area worth being mindful of. Certain types of seafood may carry elevated levels of heavy metals depending on sourcing.
Plastics and packaging BPA and similar compounds found in some plastics can leach into food and drink, particularly when heated.
The point is not to approach every product with suspicion. It is simply to understand that ingredient choices accumulate over time, and being selective about what you use regularly is a reasonable way to approach your own wellbeing.
How to read an ingredient label
One of the most practical things you can do is get comfortable reading labels. A few things to look for:
Parabens are usually listed with the prefix "para" such as methylparaben or propylparaben. Phthalates are rarely listed individually and often sit under "fragrance" or "parfum." Oxybenzone will appear by name in a sunscreen ingredient list.
You do not need to memorise every chemical. A useful starting point is simply choosing brands that are transparent about what they use and why.
How Eartha thinks about this
When we formulate at Eartha, ingredient selection is not just about what works. It is also about what we are comfortable putting into a product that someone uses on their skin every day.
We do not use synthetic fragrances in any of our formulations. This is partly because synthetic fragrance is one of the most common ways phthalates enter personal care products, often without disclosure. It is also because we believe the natural scent of pure essential oils is simply a better experience.
We do not use parabens. We do not use ingredients that are commonly flagged as endocrine-disrupting, even when they are permitted under cosmetic regulations.
These decisions make formulating more difficult and more expensive. The range of available ingredients narrows considerably when you apply these constraints. But we think that is the right trade-off for products designed to be used as a daily ritual, close to the skin, over a long period of time.
Our ingredient transparency extends to how we label. Like most cosmetic brands, we list our essential oil blends under "Parfum (Fragrance)" in accordance with international labelling guidelines, and we include a clear disclaimer that this refers only to pure essential oils. If you have questions about any specific ingredient in any of our products, we are always happy to answer them directly.
A note on approach
At Eartha, we are not interested in fear-based wellness. We do not think the answer to endocrine disruptors is anxiety about every product you own. The answer is simply being more intentional over time, choosing products from brands you trust, and making changes gradually in a way that is sustainable for you.
That is, ultimately, what Eartha is about. Not perfection. Just a quieter, more considered way of caring for yourself.
If you'd like to explore our range of plant-based oils formulated without synthetic fragrance, parabens, or endocrine-disrupting ingredients, you can start here.
