Beauty Requires Sacrifice

Facts: A study conducted by scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, and the Salud del Valle de Salinas clinic demonstrates how even a short break from using certain types of makeup, shampoos, and lotions leads to a significant drop in the level of hormone-disrupting chemicals in the body.

There is growing evidence linking these chemicals to endocrine system disruption, mental health disorders, obesity, and the growth of cancer cells.

The results of the study were published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Researchers provided 100 Latina teenage girls with personal care products labeled as free from common chemicals, including phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and oxybenzone. These chemicals are regularly used in nearly all conventional personal care products, such as cosmetics, soap, sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, and hair products.

Animal studies have shown that these substances directly affect the body’s endocrine system.

“Since women are the primary consumers of many personal care products, they may be disproportionately exposed to these chemicals,” said lead author Kim Harley, deputy director of the Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health at UC Berkeley.

“Teenage girls may be at particular risk because this is a time of rapid reproductive development, and studies show that they use more personal care products per day than the average adult woman.”

Study Results

After just a three-day experiment where the girls used only low-chemical products, urine samples showed a significant decrease in chemical levels in the body. Methyl and propyl parabens—commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics—dropped by 44% and 45% respectively. Metabolites of diethyl phthalate—commonly found in perfumes—dropped by 27%, and levels of triclosan and benzophenone dropped by 36%.

“One of the goals of our study was to raise awareness among participants about the chemicals found in everyday products and help people better understand what they’re using,” said Cárdenas.

“Seeing the drop in chemical levels after just three days shows that simple actions, such as choosing natural hygiene products, can make a real difference.”

It is wise to check the labels on any products we buy. Most personal care items list their ingredients.

Here are some of the most harmful substances:

• Dioxane

• Nitrosamines

• Phthalates

• Parabens

• Formaldehyde

• Triclosan

• Vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate copolymers

• Fragrances

Choose more natural and organic products — but remember that in the personal care industry, the words “natural” and “organic” are often just marketing terms.