Why Hormone-Friendly Skincare Matters: Protecting Your Health, Fertility, and Future

The word on “toxin-free” beauty is definitely getting out! However, we often do not understand why it is so important to make the switch. Most of us are now aware that over 60% of what we use gets absorbed into our bloodstream AND that many conventional skincare and beauty products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can interfere with our hormones, potentially leading to serious health concerns, including fertility issues, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. When we understand the impact that these chemicals have on our health, it becomes easy to choose truly hormone-friendly skincare. 

Why should we avoid Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals?

EDCs are substances that interfere with our body’s endocrine system, which regulates everything from metabolism to fertility. Common EDCs found in beauty products include phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals can mimic, block, or alter hormone production, leading to disruptions that may contribute to infertility, thyroid disorders, and developmental problems.

Studies have shown that nearly 800 chemicals found in personal care products are capable of interfering with hormone function. However, only a small fraction of these have been properly tested for safety. This means that daily exposure to these substances—through skincare, makeup, and personal care products—could have a cumulative effect, increasing the risk of endocrine disorders over time.

Using multiple products containing toxic ingredients can create a dangerous mix, with unknown combined effects on the body especially when used long term. Research suggests that the impact of EDCs may be significantly underestimated due to this "cocktail effect."

Fertility

When founder and naturopath Anna Mitsios worked in a fertility clinic, she was shocked to find that many of the women she treated were unknowingly exposing themselves to harmful toxins through their beauty routines. 

Scientific studies have linked exposure to certain chemicals, such as perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), to an increased risk of infertility. One study found that women with higher-than-normal levels of PFCs had a 60-154% greater risk of infertility than those with lower exposure levels.

Exposure to toxins can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, altered ovulation, decreased egg quality, and potential issues with implantation. 

Some of the key ways that toxins in skincare can affect fertility include:

Here are some key ways toxins can impact fertility:

Disruption of Hormonal Balance:

EDCs s can mimic or block hormones, leading to irregularities in ovulation, menstruation, sperm production, and hormone levels crucial for conception.

Research has even shown a transgenerational link between a grandmother's exposure to toxins like dioxins and the development of conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis in her grandchildren, highlighting the far-reaching impact of toxin exposure.

Impaired Sperm Quality:

Toxic substances can negatively affect sperm quality, impacting count, motility, and morphology. Environmental pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals have been linked to reduced sperm quality, ultimately lowering the chances of successful fertilization.

Studies have found that exposure to phthalates, BPA, and microplastics (common in plastic bottles and fragrances) can reduce sperm count, motility, and morphology in men. There is growing evidence of a global decline in male reproductive health, with decreasing sperm count, motility, and morphology. The increasing presence of EDCs in the environment may be contributing to this trend.

Ovarian Dysfunction:

Toxins can damage the ovaries, impairing egg quality and maturation. Exposure to certain chemicals may accelerate the decline in ovarian reserve, leading to fewer and lower-quality eggs, which can make achieving pregnancy more difficult, particularly as women age.

High levels of BPA have been linked to female infertility, with studies showing that in elevated BPA exposure reduces the number of eggs retrieved, fertilised, and implanted. 

Pregnancy Complications:

Toxins can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications, disrupting fetal development and affecting the health and growth of the fetus. Research has detected hundreds of industrial chemicals in umbilical cord blood, demonstrating that toxins from personal care products can reach unborn babies. In a study screening for over 400 chemicals, 287 toxins were found in newborns' umbilical cord blood. Of these, 217 were neurotoxins, and 208 were known to cause developmental harm or birth defects. These included BPA and synthetic fragrances, both common in conventional skincare products.

For more information on fertility-friendly beauty, download our Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy and Luminous Skin here.

Auto-immune conditions

Hormone disruption doesn’t just affect fertility. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals has been linked to other conditions, including auto-immune disease. Scientists believe environmental toxins may contribute to the rising incidence of autoimmune disorders, which affect 5% of Australians. These toxins can confuse the immune system, making it attack healthy cells. For example, phthalates—commonly found in synthetic fragrances and plastic packaging—have been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Bisphenol A (BPA), another endocrine disruptor, has been associated with immune system dysregulation, potentially worsening conditions such as multiple sclerosis and thyroid-related autoimmune disorders.

Cancer

Parabens, phthalates, and sulfates—commonly found in moisturisers, body washes, shampoos, and fragrances—have been identified as potential carcinogens. Parabens, for example, can act like estrogen in the body at levels high enough to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.

Parabens, phthalates, and sulfates—commonly found in moisturisers, body washes, shampoos, and fragrances—have been identified as potential carcinogens. Parabens, for example, can act like estrogen in the body at levels high enough to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. In fact, a 2004 study detected parabens in breast tumour tissue, raising concerns about their role in cancer development.

Phthalates, often used in synthetic fragrances and plastics, have been linked to hormone-dependent cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer. Research suggests these chemicals can interfere with DNA repair processes, increasing the risk of cell mutations. Meanwhile, sulfates—used as foaming agents in shampoos and cleansers—can form carcinogenic byproducts like nitrosamines when combined with certain preservatives.

Other Health Risks: Thyroid Conditions, Metabolic Disorders & Allergies

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals don’t just impact reproductive health; they also play a role in thyroid dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and allergies. EDCs such as triclosan—found in some antibacterial skincare products—can interfere with thyroid hormone production, leading to imbalances that affect metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Exposure to BPA and phthalates has also been linked to insulin resistance and obesity, contributing to metabolic disorders like Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, studies suggest that certain preservatives and synthetic fragrances may trigger or worsen allergic reactions, eczema, and respiratory conditions such as asthma.

By switching to truly toxin-free, hormone-friendly skincare, you’re not just supporting your skin—you’re protecting your long-term health and well-being.

For more information on ingredients to avoid in your beauty products, read our Guide to Toxin-Free Beauty here.

Edible Beauty: Setting the standard for toxin-free skincare

At Edible Beauty, we believe that what you put on your skin should be just as pure as what you put in your body. That’s why we created the “edible standard” for beauty—if it’s not safe enough to eat, we won’t include it in our formulations.

Anna Mitsios founded Edible Beauty after realising that there were very few truly clean, luxurious, and effective skincare products available. Our commitment to purity goes beyond simply being "natural" or "organic." While organic products may still contain synthetic chemicals and preservatives, every ingredient in our formulations is not only organic but also safe enough to ingest. Our products are free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, benzyl alcohol, synthetic preservatives, and any ingredient that doesn’t meet our edible purity standard.

Purity doesn’t mean compromising on efficacy. In fact, our botanical skincare formulations harness the power of nature’s most potent plant-based actives, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support skin regeneration, hydration, and anti-aging benefits. We believe that natural, wildcrafted ingredients provide superior results compared to synthetic chemicals while also protecting your long-term health.

By choosing products that are free from endocrine disruptors and rich in nourishing, edible ingredients, you’re not just protecting your skin — you’re safeguarding your fertility, hormonal balance, and overall health.

If you can’t pronounce an ingredient in your skincare, or wouldn’t consider eating it, then it’s best to avoid it. With Edible Beauty, you never have to compromise on luxury, effectiveness, or safety — because beauty should be truly pure, inside and out.