If you’ve been seeing the term endocrine disruptors everywhere lately, it’s not a coincidence.
It’s not a trend, and it’s not a new buzzword designed to scare people.
It’s a conversation that has existed for years in scientific and regulatory circles — and that is now reaching everyday routines, as more people want to understand what’s actually inside the products they use.
In this post, we explain it clearly and without alarmism:
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what endocrine disruptors are
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why they’re being talked about so much right now
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why many of them are not banned
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how to identify them in an INCI
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and what you can realistically do to reduce your exposure
What exactly are endocrine disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances that can interfere with the body’s hormonal system.
Our endocrine system regulates essential functions such as:
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growth
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metabolism
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fertility
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mood
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sleep
Some compounds are able to mimic, block or alter the action of hormones.
The issue is rarely an immediate effect.
What concerns scientists most is repeated, long-term exposure, especially to substances found in products we use every single day.
And that’s where this conversation really starts to matter.
Why is everyone talking about endocrine disruptors now?
There are three main reasons.
1. Science has evolved
We now understand much more about the long-term effects of chronic exposure, even at low doses — something that was extremely difficult to measure 20 years ago.
2. We’re exposed to more chemicals than ever
Not to one single substance, but to combinations:
cosmetics, cleaning products, packaging, textiles, fragrances…
This so-called cocktail effect is one of today’s biggest concerns.
3. People want transparency
Tools like Yuka have made visible what used to be hidden behind long ingredient lists that were hard to read or understand.
👉 Our honest take on Yuka: how it works and how to use it wisely
When you understand more, you start asking better questions. And that’s a good thing.
So… why aren’t endocrine disruptors banned if they’re so harmful?
This is the big question — and the answer is more complex than it seems.
In Europe, an ingredient is not automatically banned simply because it raises concerns or is under scientific debate.
For a ban to happen, authorities need:
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strong scientific evidence
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regulatory consensus
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risk assessments based on usage, dosage and exposure
Many ingredients are therefore legally allowed under certain limits, even when scientific discussion is ongoing.
That means something can be legal…
and still not align with a long-term, precautionary approach to care.
This is where brand choices come in.
At Nuniq, we prefer not to wait until an ingredient is officially banned if there are clear signals that it doesn’t fit our philosophy of conscious, long-term care.
That’s why we created our blacklist.
👉 Our ingredient blacklist: what we choose not to use, and why
Where are endocrine disruptors commonly found?
Not only in cosmetics — but yes, in some everyday products.
Common examples include:
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certain preservatives
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some chemical UV filters
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specific synthetic fragrances
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plasticisers linked to packaging
That’s why when we talk about cleaner routines, we’re not talking about one single product, but about the overall combination of what we use every day.
How to spot potential endocrine disruptors in an INCI (without going crazy)
You don’t need to be a chemist or memorise endless lists.
Here are a few practical guidelines.
1. Learn to recognise ingredient families
For example, ingredients ending in:
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-paraben
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-phthalate
(Not all of them are equal, but it’s a good place to start.)
2. Use ingredient scanning tools
Apps like Yuka can help you:
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flag controversial ingredients
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understand why they’re debated
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compare alternatives
They’re not perfect, but they’re useful tools to start choosing better.
3. Pay attention to fragrance
Fragrance is one of the least transparent areas in cosmetics.
That’s why at Nuniq we choose ECOCERT 100% naturally derived fragrances, and explain clearly how they’re formulated.
👉 Natural vs synthetic fragrance: what you should know before choosing
What can you realistically do?
This is not about living in fear or changing everything overnight.
Small, consistent actions already make a difference:
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reduce the number of products you use
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choose simpler formulas
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prioritise transparent brands
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start with the products you use daily
Fewer products.
Cleaner formulas.
Better habits.
In summary
Endocrine disruptors are not a new topic, but the conversation around them is finally becoming accessible.
Not everything that’s legal is necessarily the best option.
And not every change needs to be radical.
What matters is starting to choose better — informed, without guilt, and with intention.
And if starting now helps, we’re here 🤍
