Chemicals in Cosmetics and their Impact on Fertility

Bloomiss was founded from a hunt for clean beauty products. The products were created to help all women eliminate toxins and chemicals from their daily beauty routines. While I was struggling with infertility, I learned the huge link between what we put on our bodies and how it can affect our hormones and fertility. I loved all the beautiful smells of lotions, body butters, sprays, etc, and didn't realize the damage they were doing. My mission then became to have clean products available to women that smelled delicious, while not harming them.

Chemicals can be found in many of the products around the house, but did you know that some of the most harmful ones can be found in cosmetics, and skincare products?

Research studies have also found that exposure to these chemicals and toxins, can be linked to many health problems, including fertility. We live in a world where toxins hide behind the labels of the bottle, with many dangerous products entering the market, and then entering our bodies. 

Below we take a look at three dangerous chemicals when it comes to fertility.

Parabens 

What are they? 

Parabens are a group of chemical preservatives which can be found in various products including pharmaceutical drugs, foods and cosmetics. Cosmetic products can spoil due to their biodegradable components, which has caused manufacturers to add this chemical in an effort to increase their shelf life. Examples of harmful parabens include: Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben. 

Where can they be found? 

Many of these parabens can be found in certain face and skin cleansers, sunscreens, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners and make-up products. 

Why are they dangerous? We’ve broken it down into three reasons: 

1. The parabens in cosmetics are easily absorbed through the skin. Different research studies suggest that parabens are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and can trick our body into thinking that the toxins are hormones.  
2. Parabens have been linked to the disruption of hormones and damage to reproductive organs of both females and males. A high concentration of parabens in the body can also negatively impact the birth outcome. 
3. Paraben concentrations have been found in breast cancer tissues, which may link them as cancer-causing properties.

Phthalates: 

What are they? 

They are a type of chemical that has been found in various products and has been especially popular in the cosmetics industry. The most common phthalate found in cosmetics is diethyl phthalate (DEP). This particular phthalate is used for fragrance purposes as a preservative and solvent. 

Where can they be found? 

The FDA website states that in the past, Phthalates have been found in: 

• Nail polishes, to create a more smooth finish and to reduce cracking - dibutyl phthalate (DBP) 
• Hair sprays, to create a more flexible liquid that prevents a stiff layer from forming on the hair- dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
• Fragrances, used as a dissolving agent and preservative (dimethyl phthalate (DMP)   

Why are they dangerous? 

Although they will be found in relatively low quantities, the problem occurs when these concentrations add up in the body, especially overtime. 

1. They have been linked with permanent damage to the male reproductive system, specifically reducing the sperm count. They are also considered hormone disruptors, which can contribute to infertility. 
2. This group of chemicals may also cause damage to organs such as the kidneys, lungs and liver. Cosmetic companies in the U.S do not have to disclose the specific phthalates listed for fragrances, as per FDA regulations. Therefore if you want to decrease your exposure to phthalates, it’s best to avoid products that have “fragrances” listed in their ingredient section. 

Dioxins 

What are they? 

Dioxins are a group of chemical compounds that are highly toxic. They are not used as an ingredient in beauty products, however traces of it can be found as a byproduct of the manufacturing process. 

Where can it be found? 

• Environmental pollution, pesticides 
• Fragrances (trace quantities in cosmetic products and tampons) 

Why are they dangerous? 

1. Dioxins are suggested to be carcinogenic (cancer causing) which is why it is best to avoid this chemical. 
2. It is an endocrine disrupter, which is linked to health problems such as decreased sperm quality, abnormalities in reproductive organs and fertility problems. 
3. They are not listed as ingredients, which makes it harder for consumers to identify products that contain this chemical. However by opting for naturally made products, you can reduce your exposure to this chemical. 

At Bloomiss we strive for clean, natural beauty, which is we all our products are clean, natural, and where we can have 100% organic, and ensure that they are paraben, chemical and dye free. You can see all full line of clean beauty here:

We know the dangers that these and many more chemicals and toxins can do to our fertility. We created a non-profit called Blooming Hopes Fertility to help those struggling with infertility. We raise awareness, provide education and resources, as well as help with the financial pressures. 

Bloomiss donate $1 from a lot of our products to the Blooming Hopes Fertility Program. We have a list of these product here: 

If you are struggling with fertility please reach out to me, we have support groups (online) once a month as well as coaching and programs to help you with your fertility journey.