Hormonal chemicals in cosmetics

Hormonally active chemicals pose a risk to your health

10/31/2013

The BUND has evaluated the ingredient information of more than 60,000 cosmetic products in the German-speaking market. He wanted to know if they contained hormonal substances.

Hormonally active substances are used in cosmetics mainly as preservatives and UV filters. The substances can be absorbed through the skin into the body. They are associated with health problems that have become increasingly common in recent decades around the world. These include a decline in sperm quality and number, certain hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate and testicular cancer, premature puberty in girls, and behavioral problems in children.

Important results of the study at a glance:
About 30% of the 62,559 evaluated personal care products were contaminated. The share of charged articles in the market leaders L'Oréal and Beiersdorf (among others Nivea): 45% and 46%, respectively. Largest companies without encumbered products were alva Naturkosmetik, Börlind, Dr. Ing. Hauschka, Laverana Naturkosmetik, Logocos Naturkosmetik, Martina Gebhardt Naturkosmetik, Weleda Naturkosmetik. In addition, there are many small natural cosmetics companies without contaminated products. Most commonly used hormonally active substance: methylparaben (preservative), contained in 24% of all products. (Pm)