Endocrine disruptors

The endocrine system is one of the body’s key communication networks. It is critical to normal growth, development and functioning, and affects everything from skeletal growth to reproduction.

There is an important difference between the terms 'endocrine mimic' and 'endocrine disruptor'. Many substances, including natural ones, may mimic hormones but very few, and these are mostly potent medicines, have ever been shown to cause disruption of the endocrine system. Cosmetic ingredients do not interfere with the endocrine system, and this needs to be carefully ensured by the safety assessment before the product is allowed to be sold.

It is important to stress that just because something has the potential to mimic a hormone does not mean it will disrupt your endocrine system. An endocrine disruptor is defined as a chemical which interferes with the hormone system and produces harmful effects.

Many so-called endocrine disruptors (actually, endocrine mimics) are abundant in nature. We ingest them in the food we eat in concentrations many million times greater than used in cosmetics and personal care products. Endocrine mimics include phytoestrogens – the oestrogen-like compounds found in plants. We eat these in foods such as cabbage, soya beans and Brussels sprouts. No adverse health effects have been associated with these dietary exposures.

All ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care products have to meet stringent UK and European regulation guaranteeing consumer protection and the well-being of industry employees. There is a legal obligation for every cosmetic product to undergo a rigorous safety assessment performed by a qualified, scientific expert before it can be placed on the market. The assessment takes into account the finished product, all of the ingredients, how and where the product is to be used, how often and by whom. The assessment covers all potential risks, including possible endocrine disruption.