We hear very often that we are living in a toxic world. Is it true? Actually, it does not need to smell bad to be toxic as we are silently exposed to several toxic chemicals everyday no matter what we do.
Some of these substances are called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). However, for many of us, this term can be difficult to understand. Especially when it comes to knowing whether we are exposed to these chemicals or not and what we should do about it.
In this issue, we will help you understand what EDCs are, why they can affect our health, and what we can do to reduce our exposure.
The basics
Let’s start with some basic information about the endocrine system. The endocrine system is like the body’s automatic control system, keeping everything in balance.
It is made up of glands that produce hormones, which are chemical messengers. The hormones travel through the bloodstream to instruct the body. For example, when you’re hungry, your stomach sends a signal. Your endocrine system then releases a hormone that tells your brain, ‘You’re hungry; eat something.’
The endocrine system controls many important bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, mood, sleep, reproduction, the stress response, immune function, temperature regulation and water balance.
The main glands of the endocrine system are the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, the thyroid/parathyroid gland, the pancreas, the adrenal glands, and the ovaries/testicles. Some of the important hormones produced by these glands are insulin, cortisol, oestrogen/progesterone, testosterone and melatonin.
What are Endocrine-disrupting chemicals ?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that interact with the endocrine system once they get into our body. For example:
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Mimic hormones: EDC trick the body by looking like real hormones, causing the body to respond to them.
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Block hormones: EDC prevent the hormones produced by the body from doing their job.
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Change hormone levels: They can signal the body to produce too much or too little of a hormone.
By interacting with the body, these chemicals cause problems, such as hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and reproductive hormone problems in men and women, etc.
Our endocrine system controls many aspects of our health. When it malfunctions, it can affect our energy levels, weight, mood, fertility and overall quality of life, etc.
Where do we find EDCs?
The bad news is that they are almost everywhere. Below are some examples of where we can find them:
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Plastics: EDC are in plastic water bottles, food wraps, food containers, etc. The most common EDCs are Bisphenol A and Phthalates, which are used to soften the plastic and make it more versatile.
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Household products: Phthalates is a well-known EDCs, hidden in ‘fragrance’ in air fresheners and scented products, as well as in triclosan and antimicrobial agents used in disinfectant sprays and floor cleaners.
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Personal care and cosmetics: The most common EDCs in cosmetics are parabens, which are found in shampoos, body lotions and moisturisers. Phthalates are also present in cosmetics as they help fragrances to last longer. Triclosan is found in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste and deodorants.
What can we do to protect us from EDCs?
Here I will share some personal habits that I have adopted to protect myself from those harmful chemicals.
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Avoid using air fresheners and fragranced candles at home. I know, it is nice to have a nice smell when you arrive to a place. But there is a risk of inhaling EDCs as well.
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Avoid using perfumes, and if you do use them, try not to inhale when you spray them or apply them to your clothes rather than your skin.
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For cleaning at home, use alternatives such as vinegar and sodium bicarbonate. There are plenty of online tutorials on how to make your own cleaning products.
What I normally do is, I mix 50% vinegar, 50% water and a few drops of essential oil. I clean everything with that, yes everything! and it works! The most important thing is that I am not exposing myself to toxic chemicals in cleaners and desinfectants.
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Avoid using fabric softeners, as they may contain hidden phthalates.
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Use a metal bottle for your drinking water, not a plastic one. Plastic bottles contain phthalates.
And what about products for skincare?
EDCs can also be found in skincare products. Some examples are parabens, phthalates, UV filters and triclosan. However, Europe has the strictest cosmetics regulations in the world to protect consumers. The EU has a list of substances that have been identified as endocrine disruptors, which are either, banned or restricted. Banned means they cannot be present in cosmetics at all. Restricted means that they are only allowed at very low concentrations.
However, we must be aware that this protection is not perfect and there are some gaps.
Companies can hide phthalates under the word ‘fragrance’ as its ingredients don’t have to be listed individually. As long as the fragrance blend is created by a certified fragrance house, it is approved, and they have the right not to disclose the ingredients. So, we do not know exactly what it is inside.
In addition, the combined effect of multiple endocrine disruptors has not been fully tested. In reality, we use over ten cosmetics daily, including soaps, toothpastes , dental floss, drink tap water, eat food and wear clothes that have been softened, etc…
While each product may contain “safe” levels of EDCs individually, when combined, we are exposed to dozens of EDCs daily. This is called the ‘cocktail effect’.
As we are aware that the EU has anyway the strictest regulations for cosmetics in the world. My advice to you is: Use EU produced products, you are likely to be more protected.
What about our Kurbela products?
Our products are manufactured in Spain at certified laboratories. We have all the safety reports to ensure our product are complaint.
Our products do not contain endocrine disruptors, and we want to ensure that we do not mislead our clients by using the confusing term ‘fragrance’, as some EDCs could slip through.
We use essential oils and botanical extracts instead of synthetic fragrances. All of our products have a very clean ingredient profile.
Mask
The mask is an exceptionally well-designed clay mask, which is based on natural ingredients sucha as Kaolin. The inclusion of humectants, like aloe vera prevents the ‘tight, dry’ feeling, which is typical of low-quality clay masks. The actives in the mask make the product a treatment mask to deep clean our skin.
Cleaning Gel
The combination of gentle surfactants with salicylic and azelaic acids makes it excellent for treating acne, oily or congested skin without causing irritation. The use of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid will hydrate and balance the skin.
Cream
This formulation balances hydration in the skin while having anti-inflammatory benefits. It is good for normal to dry skin and for those seeking natural ingredients such as ginger, aloe vera and curcuma extract without compromising efficacy.
Oil
This synergistic blend of jojoba, black cumin, grape and rosehip oils is designed for optimal skin nutrition and contains no fillers or problematic ingredients. It is suitable for most skin types, particularly those in need of barrier support and nourishment.
A word from the heart
The ingredients in our products reflect an investment in quality, thoughtful formulation and genuine skin health, not ‘natural for natural’s sake’. They are an excellent choice for those who value both efficacy and safety.
Let’s take to heart the simple advice we’ve shared here about endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They are a real concern, and we can reduce our exposure through the choices we make every day.
While regulations play an important role in protecting our health, the greatest level of protection comes from being informed and making conscious decisions in our daily lives. Small changes can make a meaningful difference.
Love,
Angela