Hormone Havoc: Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

CONCORD, CA (Nov. 20, 2024) — Long before “clean beauty” entered the spotlight, Trio Skincare was setting the standard for ingredient awareness, proudly offering paraben-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free skincare when few questioned what was lurking in their self-care products. As one of the first skincare clinics in the East Bay to embrace such rigorous ingredient standards, our company is proud to be at the forefront of educating consumers on the importance of safe, clean, and effective skincare ingredients.

In recent years, concerns have been raised over ingredients in personal care products that may interfere with normal hormone function. This category of substances is broadly called endocrine disruptors as they can affect estrogen, testosterone, thyroid and other hormonal pathways in the body and are linked to certain cancers, particularly breast cancer. Common endocrine disrupting chemicals found in skincare formulations include sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and UV filters (benzophenones). And the list keeps growing as more research emerges.

We know it can feel intimidating looking at the ingredients list on the back of all your skincare and cosmetic products but equipped with the knowledge of what to look for, you can eliminate harmful products by familiarizing yourself with these easily avoidable ingredients. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a detergent and surfactant commonly used in many personal care products, including shampoos, body washes, face cleansers, and toothpaste. It works by creating a foamy lather and removing oils and debris from surfaces, which is why it’s so popular in products meant to cleanse. SLS is harsh, stripping away natural oils and disrupting the skin’s barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, redness, and, for sensitive skin types, potentially more serious reactions like eczema and dermatitis flare-ups. In shampoos, SLS strips the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness, itchiness, and irritation. Over time, it weakens hair, making it more prone to damage.

Parabens are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics and skincare products. They prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, extending product shelf life. Common types of parabens to avoid include methylparaben, ethyl paraben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. To avoid phthalates, avoid products with “fragrance” or “parfum,” as these terms often conceal phthalates as part of proprietary scent formulations. Another endocrine disruptor is Benzophenones, a class of chemicals commonly used in sunblock and other personal care products to protect against ultraviolet (UV) light. These “benzone” chemicals penetrate the skin and accumulate in the body, linking them to hormonal imbalances. As skincare professionals we only recommend physical mineral-based sunscreens that use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide for safe broad-spectrum UV protection.

We live in a world where we are exposed to forces outside our control, but knowledge is power. Acknowledging these toxins do exist will help in creating a more toxic-free lifestyle with long term health in mind. If you would like to learn more, we invite you to schedule a consultation to take a deeper look at your everyday makeup and skincare products. We can help you make the switch to nontoxic alternatives—every choice will make a difference.

For more information about Trio Skincare’s anti-aging/acne management clinic in Concord, visit www.trioskincare.com or call 925-609-8746.