7 Products I Swapped To Eliminate Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors have caused a buzz on the internet as all of us crunchy girls have been purging our lives of harmful chemicals.
After I became aware of endocrine disruptors, their harmful effects, and how ubiquitous they are, I began reading the labels of everything in every cabinet. Skincare, deodorant, makeup, food, cleaning supplies, the list goes on. I quickly came to the conclusion that this was not just another internet fad. Endocrine disruptors really are everywhere, and upon further research, I also realized that they have had an adverse effect on my health. I’ve struggled with undiagnosed chronic pain for years, so I have tried to lead a healthy lifestyle to help my body function as best as possible. I have undoubtedly drunk the crunchy Kool-Aid, and it really helps.
If you’re not entirely sure what endocrine disruptors are, you’re not alone. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences describes them as “natural or human-made chemicals that may mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormones, which are part of the endocrine system.” They can be found in pesticides, makeup, candles, hair products, nail polish, and the list just keeps going.
Your body is already designed to make large changes using comparatively small amounts of hormones. This means even small levels of exposure to endocrine disruptors can have noticeable, negative effects on your health. These can include issues with fertility, increased risk of cancer, and negative effects on your immune system and hormone levels. They can block your thyroid production and alter the function of your pineal gland. Both are absolutely essential to a healthy life and definitely shouldn’t be messed with.
Endocrine disruptors go by many names. Phthalates, BPAs, fragrances like limonene and linalool, phytoestrogens (soy products), and parabens are all things to look out for when reading ingredient labels. These chemicals and fragrances are everywhere. I guarantee you will be as horrified as I was when you start looking through your cabinets.
For the sake of your health, it’s best to cut back on your exposure to these chemicals wherever possible. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry, I’ve got you. Here are a few holistic product replacements that you can really feel good about.
Perfume
Perfumes are known for being a major culprit when it comes to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Phthalates, specifically Diethyl phthalate (DEP), are a staple in the industry. I knew I needed an alternative to the chemicals I was spraying on my skin and breathing in day in and day out. That set me on a hunt for the perfect natural alternative: Aurics Blends.
This is not your average perfume. Aurics Blends touts a large collection of beautiful perfume oil scents. Formulated without synthetics, these roll-on perfumes are so much better for your hormonal health. They even stock packs of testers, so you and maybe your man can try several before you commit. I wear their scent “Love,” and I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten. The perfume roll-ons are absolutely divine (and oh so convenient).
Moisturizer
If you’re a skincare girlie like me, I know how hard it is to come to grips with the amount of toxins in your expensive moisturizer. Phthalates, parabens, and phytoestrogens run rampant in moisturizing products. After realizing that pretty much every moisturizer on the planet had at least one ingredient in it that was wreaking havoc on my thyroid or pineal gland, I almost gave up.
That’s when I found the perfect tallow moisturizer: VanMan's Tallow & Honey Balm. I’ve been using this for several years and have never found anything as effective in a single product. I’m practically a tallow evangelist now. It’s so clean and natural you could eat it.
Candles
I hate to break it to you, but your candles are actually filled with endocrine disruptors that are being emitted into the air when you burn them. Not so relaxing after all, right? The soy, paraffin wax, and synthetic fragrances are doing nothing good for your health as you breathe in the xenoestrogens.
Beeswax and natural fragrance, however, are completely fine to burn. I went on a little adventure and made my own beeswax candles. It was so fun, and it would make the perfect girls’ night activity! But, if that’s a bit intimidating, here’s your chance to make the switch and support a small American business: Bee Hive Candles.
Toothpaste
There’s a mile-long list on your toothpaste bottle containing chemicals you probably can’t even pronounce. However, one of the most common hormone criminals is fluoride. You can’t get away from it, and it preys on your thyroid gland.
Did you know all toothpaste used to be a powder? It’s a wild concept, but it’s true! I swear by VanMan's Miracle Tooth Powder. It’s the real deal. There’s no chemical junk or fluoride. I’ve used it for over a year, and I’ve noticed it whitens my teeth. There is a brief period of adjustment, but after that, you’ll notice that your mouth feels so much cleaner. You’ll never look back!
Makeup
If you’re a makeup girl and you’re trying to get synthetics out of your life, that’s a challenge. It’s rough out there. I really enjoy the experience of putting on makeup in the morning. Every product is carefully picked out. My mascara is a ritual. I opt for a natural look most days, but the confidence I get from feeling that I look my best is unmatched.
When I realized how many parabens, phthalates, and super toxic heavy metals are in makeup, I thought I might as well give up on the search for a natural alternative. Searching through all the green-washed brands that say they’re free of toxins (but really are just marginally better) was so much work. While it’s nearly impossible to find makeup without contaminants, Araza Beauty is about as close as it gets. Araza is the first makeup brand to become Paleo-certified, and their brand goals are threefold: to maintain transparency with their customers, to limit toxins in their makeup, and to include superfoods in their ingredient lists.
Deodorant
Your armpits are one of the most absorbent parts of your body. So, all the aluminum in your current deodorant stick is going right into your skin. It makes sense that you would want to stay clear of toxic metals and endocrine disruptors in this area. The only problem is that so many natural deodorants just don’t work – except for this one!
VanMan's Coconut & Magnesium Deodorant actually lasts all day. And the best part? No aluminum! It’s so natural, it’s edible (although I wouldn’t recommend it).
Soap
The amount of fake fragrances and toxic chemicals in our everyday soaps is absolutely unnecessary. Luckily, there are other options for us crunchy girls.
For those of you also on the tallow craze, Pretty Farm Girl carries beautiful tallow soaps and so much more for all your self-care needs. Actually, it used to be quite common for soaps to be made with tallow and other natural ingredients. Tallow soap is so moisturizing and can be mixed with all kinds of essential oils, so it smells amazing! It has nutrients and vitamins A and E that are so good for your skin.
Closing Thoughts
With all the pesticides in the foods we eat and all the synthetics we come in contact with on a daily basis, it’s practically impossible to rid our lives of endocrine disruptors entirely. But with these seven product replacements, you’re well on your way!
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