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What You Put on Your Skin Affects Your Hormones and Fertility: Here’s What You Need to Know

Writer's picture: Dr. Alyssa Brooks McPeakDr. Alyssa Brooks McPeak


When it comes to hormone health and fertility, many women focus on diet, exercise, and stress management. While these are all critical, an often-overlooked factor is the impact of what we put on our skin. Your skincare and personal care products can have a profound influence on your hormones and fertility. Understanding this connection is essential for making informed choices for yourself and your family—especially your daughters.

What Are Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing and regulating hormones. These disruptors mimic, block, or alter hormonal signals, causing imbalances that can affect various aspects of health, including:

  • Fertility: Disruptors can affect ovulation, hormone production, and reproductive health.

  • Menstrual Cycles: They may lead to irregular or painful periods.

  • Development in Children: Exposure can affect the hormonal development of growing children, particularly girls.

Common endocrine disruptors found in personal care products include:

  • Phthalates: Often used in fragrances to make them last longer.

  • Parabens: Preservatives that prevent microbial growth in products.

  • Triclosan: An antibacterial agent found in soaps and toothpaste.

  • BPA (Bisphenol A): Found in some plastics and packaging materials.

  • Synthetic Fragrances: These can contain a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are hormone disruptors.

How Endocrine Disruptors Affect Hormones and Fertility

Endocrine disruptors can:

  1. Mimic Hormones: Chemicals like BPA act like estrogen in the body, leading to an overabundance of certain hormones.

  2. Block Hormones: Some disruptors block hormone receptors, preventing your natural hormones from functioning properly.

  3. Alter Hormone Production: These chemicals can affect glands like the ovaries, thyroid, and adrenal glands, leading to imbalances.

For women, this can result in:

  • Reduced egg quality.

  • Difficulty conceiving.

  • Increased risk of miscarriage.

For children, especially young girls, exposure to these disruptors may:

  • Early onset of puberty.

  • Increase the risk of hormone-related cancers later in life.

  • Impact future fertility.

Safer Alternatives: What to Look For

When choosing skincare and personal care products, look for ingredients that support hormone health rather than disrupt it. Here are some tips:

  1. Choose Fragrance-Free or Naturally Scented Products:

    • Avoid synthetic fragrances, which often contain phthalates.

    • Opt for products scented with essential oils instead.

  2. Read Labels for Paraben-Free Products:

    • Look for labels that say “paraben-free” or check ingredient lists and avoid anything ending in “-paraben.”

  3. Go Natural with Preservatives:

    • Choose products with natural preservatives like vitamin E or rosemary extract.

  4. Opt for Clean, Non-Toxic Brands:

    • Research brands that prioritize clean beauty and hormone-safe formulations.

  5. Look for Certifications:

    • Seek products certified by organizations like EWG (Environmental Working Group) or those labeled as “USDA Organic” or “EWG Verified.”

Why This Matters for Your Daughters’ Long-Term Health

The products you use not only affect your health but also your children’s health. Young girls are especially vulnerable to hormone disruptors, as their endocrine systems are still developing. Early exposure can:

  • Lead to early puberty.

  • Increase the risk of hormone-related health issues as they grow older.

  • Potentially impact their future fertility.

Switching to hormone-healthy products sets a foundation for better long-term health and reduces the risk of chronic hormonal imbalances.

Your Next Steps

If this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone! Transitioning to hormone-safe products doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start by swapping out the products you use daily, such as body wash, lotion, and deodorant. For more guidance on building a hormone-healthy skincare routine, check out my online course: How to Create a Hormone Healthy, Anti-Aging AM and PM Skincare Routine.

This step-by-step guide will help you:

  • Understand which ingredients to avoid.

  • Find effective, clean alternatives, including my favorite products.

  • Create a routine that supports your hormone health while keeping your skin radiant.

Investing in hormone-safe products is an investment in your health, your fertility, and the well-being of your family. Start today and take control of your hormone health from the outside in.


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