This "multi-chemical" approach to the possible effects of combinations of toxic compounds present in cosmetics confirms in the journal Environment International links with changes in reproductive hormones. And even low exposure to these mixtures of chemical compounds could affect hormonal balance.
We are exposed, on a daily basis, to many toxic products that can have negative effects on our hormones. These hormonal changes have been associated with several now well-documented adverse health effects, including an increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. A better understanding of endocrine disruptors is important for public health and in particular for women, who are more exposed with the higher use of beauty and personal care products.
The team from George Mason University (Virginia) reveals new links between chemicals widely used in cosmetics and the modification of levels of reproductive hormones, through the analysis of 509 urine samples from 143 women aged 18 to 44, free of chronic diseases and not taking contraceptives. The researchers carried out multiple exposure measurements for several compounds (bisphenol A, chlorophenols, benzophenones, parabens) throughout the menstrual cycle.
The Complexity of Combined Effects: This multi-chemical approach, which more closely reflects actual environmental exposures, shows that even low exposure to combinations of chemicals can affect reproductive hormone levels. Certain chemical and “UV” filters are also found to be associated with either a decrease or an increase in certain reproductive hormones. This underscores, the authors write in their statement, the complexity of the combined effects of these chemicals.
Certain chemicals like parabens are already well documented as being able to increase estrogen levels. There remains the immense field of the effects of "multi-chemical" combinations to be explored, and, in the meantime,
it is therefore a question of paying attention to the chemical products present in beauty products, or of limiting our exposure, as we already do better for our diet.