Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Cosmetics

When you think endocrine, you think - HORMONES. In our cosmetics? Absolutely!

An Excerpt from USA TODAY.

The Food and Drug Administration requires that cosmetics companies test their products for safety so consumers don't develop a rash or eye infection. But it doesn't require companies to study whether products contain chemicals such as endocrine disruptors.
These chemicals — which include preservatives called parabens that are found in many shampoos and conditioners — act like hormones and are linked to reproductive and development problems in infants, Houlihan says.
Because scents can be considered trade secrets, hundreds of ingredients can be lumped together under the heading of "fragrance." Some fragrances are made with endocrine-disrupting chemicals called phthalates, several of which are listed as reproductive or developmental toxins by California and have been banned in cosmetics by the European Union.