What families should know about endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday personal care products
By Dr. Christi Gerhardt, MD
Pediatric Endocrinologist, Life Pediatric Endocrinology
Families often focus on nutrition, sleep, and exercise when thinking about their children’s health. But another source of exposure that receives increasing attention in medical research is everyday personal care products.
Shampoo, lotions, cosmetics, sunscreen, deodorant, and fragrances can contain substances known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances that may interfere with the body’s hormone systems.
Hormones regulate essential biological processes including growth, puberty, metabolism, brain development, and reproductive health. Because of this, pediatric endocrinologists frequently discuss environmental exposures with families concerned about growth, puberty timing, and hormone development.
Scientific organizations including the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the Pediatric Endocrine Society have highlighted concerns about endocrine-disrupting chemicals in consumer products, particularly during pregnancy and childhood when hormone systems are still developing.
Research also shows that switching personal care products can rapidly reduce exposure.
In the HERMOSA intervention study, adolescent girls switched to personal care products labeled free of phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and benzophenone-3 for three days. Researchers observed reductions in urinary concentrations of these chemicals:
- Phthalate metabolite MEP decreased by 27%
- Methyl and propyl parabens decreased by 44–45%
- Triclosan decreased by 36%
- Benzophenone-3 decreased by 36%
These findings suggest everyday products can significantly influence chemical exposure levels.¹⁰
Quick List: 5 Hormone-Disrupting Ingredients to Avoid
Endocrinologists often recommend minimizing exposure to the following ingredients found in some personal care products:
- Phthalates (often hidden in fragrance)
- Parabens (especially propyl and butyl parabens)
- Triclosan
- Benzophenones such as oxybenzone
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
These ingredients have been studied for their ability to interact with hormone signaling pathways, particularly during sensitive developmental periods such as pregnancy, infancy, and puberty.
Examples of Common Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
Researchers have identified several environmental chemicals that may interact with endocrine signaling systems.
Commonly discussed endocrine-disrupting chemicals include:
- Phthalates used in fragrances and plastics
- Parabens used as preservatives in cosmetics
- Bisphenols (BPA and related compounds) used in plastics and food packaging
- Triclosan, an antimicrobial compound used in some consumer products
- Benzophenones such as oxybenzone used in sunscreens
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives used in cosmetics
- PFAS chemicals, sometimes used in waterproof cosmetics and packaging
These substances are studied because they may interact with hormone receptors or influence endocrine signaling pathways.
1. Phthalates (Often Hidden in “Fragrance”)
Phthalates are chemicals used to stabilize fragrance and improve the texture of many cosmetic and personal care products.
They are commonly found in:
- shampoo
- perfume
- deodorant
- hair spray
- scented lotions
One challenge is that phthalates are rarely listed directly on ingredient labels. Instead, they are often hidden under the generic terms “fragrance” or “parfum.”
Research has linked phthalate exposure to potential endocrine effects including changes in reproductive hormone signaling and fertility outcomes.⁸⁹
For families wishing to reduce exposure, endocrinologists often recommend choosing fragrance-free personal care products whenever possible.
2. Parabens (Especially Propyl and Butyl Parabens)
Parabens are preservatives used to prevent bacterial growth in cosmetics and personal care products.
Common forms include:
- methylparaben
- propylparaben
- butylparaben
Parabens have weak estrogen-like activity, meaning they can bind to estrogen receptors in the body.
Some endocrine researchers recommend limiting exposure during sensitive developmental periods such as pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and puberty.¹¹
3. Triclosan
Triclosan is an antimicrobial compound previously used in many antibacterial soaps and personal care products.
Although the FDA restricted triclosan in certain antibacterial soaps, it may still appear in some consumer products including:
- toothpaste
- cosmetics
- personal care items
Research suggests triclosan may interact with thyroid hormone regulation and metabolic signaling pathways.
In the HERMOSA study, triclosan exposure decreased by 36% within three days after switching personal care products.¹⁰
4. Benzophenones (Oxybenzone / BP-3)
Benzophenones are ultraviolet-absorbing chemicals used to stabilize products exposed to sunlight.
The most common form is benzophenone-3, also known as oxybenzone.
These compounds appear in:
- sunscreen
- cosmetics
- hair products
- lotions
Laboratory research suggests benzophenones may interact with estrogen receptors and thyroid signaling pathways.
Families seeking alternatives may choose mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
5. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Some cosmetic preservatives slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde, which helps prevent microbial contamination in products.
Examples include:
- DMDM hydantoin
- quaternium-15
- imidazolidinyl urea
- diazolidinyl urea
Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen, although cosmetic exposures are typically very low.
Many clinicians recommend avoiding products containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives when alternatives are available.
Common Products That May Contain These Ingredients
These ingredients may appear in many everyday personal care products.
Hair products
- shampoo
- conditioner
- hair spray
- styling gels
Skin products
- lotions and moisturizers
- body wash
- facial cleansers
- anti-aging creams
Cosmetics
- foundation
- mascara
- lipstick
- eye shadow
Other products
- deodorant and antiperspirant
- sunscreen
- perfume and fragrances
- toothpaste
Because many of these products are used daily, they can represent a consistent source of exposure.
How to Identify These Ingredients on Product Labels
Many hormone-disrupting chemicals appear under different ingredient names.
Phthalates
Often hidden under:
- fragrance
- parfum
- DEP (diethyl phthalate)
Parabens
Look for ingredients ending in “paraben”:
- methylparaben
- propylparaben
- butylparaben
- ethylparaben
Triclosan
Usually listed directly as:
Benzophenones
May appear as:
- benzophenone-3
- oxybenzone
- BP-3
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Examples include:
- DMDM hydantoin
- quaternium-15
- imidazolidinyl urea
- diazolidinyl urea
A simple rule many families use
Products labeled:
- fragrance-free
- paraben-free
- phthalate-free
often reduce exposure to many of these ingredients.
Why Children and Teens May Be More Vulnerable
Hormones regulate many essential biological processes including:
- growth
- puberty
- metabolism
- brain development
- reproductive maturation
During childhood and adolescence, endocrine systems are undergoing rapid developmental changes.
Research suggests that exposures during early life may have greater biological effects because hormone signaling systems are still developing.
Practical Ways Families Can Reduce Exposure
Simple strategies include:
- Choosing fragrance-free personal care products
- Looking for labels stating paraben-free or phthalate-free
- Checking ingredient lists for formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- Using mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Selecting products with shorter ingredient lists
Related: Lavender, Tea Tree Oil, and Early Puberty
Some ingredients found in personal care products may also affect hormone signaling in ways that researchers are still studying. Lavender oil and tea tree oil, which appear in many shampoos, lotions, soaps, and fragrances, have been discussed in pediatric endocrine research because certain compounds may interact with hormone pathways.
If you would like to learn more, read our guide:
→ Lavender and Tea Tree Oil: Hidden Risks of Early Puberty in Kids
This article explains what parents should know about these oils, where they are commonly found, and when families should discuss puberty changes with a pediatric endocrinologist.
The Bottom Line
Many everyday personal care products contain ingredients that may interact with hormonal signaling pathways.
Research shows that switching products can significantly reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in just a few days.
For families concerned about hormone health, growth, puberty, and child development, being mindful of everyday environmental exposures may be a meaningful step toward prevention.
About the Author
Dr. Christi Gerhardt, MD is a pediatric endocrinologist at Life Pediatric Endocrinology, a national concierge practice specializing in growth, puberty, bone health, and integrative endocrine care for children and adolescents.
She evaluates children for conditions including:
- growth disorders
- early or delayed puberty
- hormone imbalances
- pediatric endocrine second opinions
Families across the United States seek Life Pediatric Endocrinology for expert guidance on growth and hormone health.
References
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Hampl SE et al. Pediatrics. 2023
Trasande L et al. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. 2025
Breitkopf DM et al. ACOG. 2019
Radwan P et al. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2023
Nobles CJ et al. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2023
Hipwell AE et al. Human Reproduction Update. 2018
Harley KG et al. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2016
Ghassabian A et al. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2022
Płotka-Wasylka J et al. Science of the Total Environment. 2023
