I was catching up with a friend recently when the topic of skincare came up. She mentioned she avoids parabens because she’s heard they’re “bad” — like many people, she’s seen the labels: paraben-free, clean, non-toxic.

But when I asked if she knew why parabens are being left out of so many products now, she paused. “I actually don’t,” she admitted. “I just know they’re something you’re not supposed to use.”

That moment stuck with me — because she’s not alone.

We’re starting to talk more openly about hormone health. From fertility to burnout, from mood swings to sleep — we’re learning how much our hormones quietly control. But what many still don’t realize is that some ingredients in personal care products can disrupt the endocrine system — and we absorb these ingredients every single day through our skin.

The Science: What Are Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance. Some mimic estrogen. Others block natural hormone receptors. Many have been linked to long-term health concerns, including breast cancer, thyroid issues, infertility, and more.

• A 2020 NIH-funded study found measurable levels of parabens in the breast tissue of patients with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.

• Another analysis in Environmental Health revealed that 95% of people tested had detectable levels of phthalates in their urine — compounds commonly used in fragrances and known to disrupt hormone activity.

• Even “low doses” of these chemicals have been shown to affect developing endocrine systems, particularly in children and teens.

Clean Beauty Isn’t Enough — It’s Time for Hormone-Safe Skincare

When I founded By Kind, I didn’t just want to create “clean” products. I wanted to make skincare that actively supports long-term health. That means:

• No EDCs. No question marks.

• Rigorous sourcing and transparent formulations.

• Education that empowers people to make informed choices.

This mission is also personal: I lost my mom to breast cancer at a young age, and that experience gave me a lifelong respect for prevention — and for not taking health for granted.

Whether you’re managing hormones, planning for a family, or simply trying to feel more in balance — your skincare routine shouldn’t be working against you.

Let’s keep asking the hard questions. Let’s normalize reading ingredient labels. And let’s demand products that respect our health — inside and out.