Using organic cosmetics reduces toxic products in the body

The French worry about what they eat, but not always about the products they apply to their face or body. A large part of the endocrine disruptors present in the body could however be eliminated by eliminating organic cosmetics, according to an American study published in Environmental Health Perspectives.

100 teenage girls were recruited by the University of Berkley and the Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas to analyze the changes caused by a change in the range of cosmetics to organic. They had at their disposal products without phthalates, parabens, triclosan and oxybenzone, four endocrine disruptors commonly found in consumer baskets.

“Because women are the main consumers of a lot of hygiene products, they are more likely to be exposed to these chemicals,” explains Kim Harley, study leader and deputy director of the Center for Environmental Research and Children’s. Health of the University of Berkeley. “The risk could be even greater for adolescent girls, who are at a key stage in the development of their reproductive system, and who use more cosmetics than the average adult woman, according to studies.”

Half the paraben in three days

Analysis of urine samples from teenage girls, carried out three days after the start of the study, showed that the level of diethyl phthalate – found in perfumes – had fallen by 27%. Two types of parabens used for the preservation of cosmetic products had almost disappeared by half (44% and 45%). The concentrations of triclosan (antibacterial soaps, toothpaste) and oxybenzone (sunscreen) were reduced by 36%.

Very significant results, and very fast. The scientists, however, wanted to clarify that the level of two rarer types of parabens had slightly increased, probably due to the undeclared presence in the products or accidental contamination during the experiment.

Less chemicals, less risk

“One of the objectives of this study was also to alert the participants to the number of chemicals present in daily products, and thus to help them become aware of what they were using,” said Maritza Cárdenas. student at Berkeley and co-author of the study, believing that the contract was fulfilled.

“Observing such drops in chemical levels, only after three days of experience, shows that simple measures, such as choosing less chemical products, can make a difference,” added the researcher.

She also admits having herself decided to change her habits as a consumer. “It’s difficult, because as a student we don’t have a lot of money,” she laments. But when you can’t make the best possible choice because of the cost, you can at least try to limit the use of the products you buy. “