What's Lurking in Your Personal Care Products?
Hidden Hormone Disruptors.
Since the 1930s, the personal care products in the United States have remained largely unregulated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not mandate safety testing of cosmetics, skincare, or sunscreen ingredients before they enter the market.
On the contrary, many nations have established strict regulations on ingredients linked to cancer and reproductive issues. In France, on February 20, lawmakers approved a bill designed to protect the public from the risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. A ban on the manufacture, import, export, and marketing of cosmetics, footwear, consumer textiles, and ski wax containing PFAS would enter into effect in 2026.
The US has allowed for many of the daily products we use to contain chemicals that impact our wellbeing. Studies show the average US consumer is exposed to two ingredients linked to cancer and two linked to chemicals daily that can harm the reproductive and development systems. With women using more cosmetics and personal care products than man, they are exposed to more unique, harmful ingredients.
What are PFAS and they Matter?
PFAS are human-made chemicals or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with hormone systems linked to reproductive issues, thyroid problems, and certain cancers. When your reproductive systems is disrupted by these chemicals, it can lead to issues like irregular menstrual cycles, decreased fertility, and impact ovarian function in women and sperm quality in men. One research team found that PFAS exposure may reduce fertility in women by as much as 40%. The chemicals disrupt delicate hormonal balance by interfering with estrogen and testosterone production, impacting egg quality and ovarian function and affecting thyroid function, which plays a critical role in reproductive health. Exposure to PFAS during pregnancy may be associated with increased risk of low birth weight and other developmental issues in the fetus.
The connection between PFAS chemicals and fertility wellness deserves special attention. What makes PFAS particularly concerning for fertility is their persistence in the body and the ability to cross the placental barrier if pregnancy occurs.
Where are PFAS Found?
PFAS make products more durable, water resistant, and spreadable. They are used in cosmetics products, for example, to smooth and condition skin and hair. They make products appear shiny and affect product texture and consistency. Products range from mascaras, lipsticks, eyeshadows, moisturizers, nail polish, to facial cleansers. One study led by a research team from the University of Notre Dame stated that more than half of the 231 cosmetics products tested contained PFAS, and most of them did not list the compounds in their ingredients. Aside from cosmetics, PFAS can be found in the following products, just to name a few:
Non-stick cookware
Water-resistant clothing and fabrics
Food packaging (especially takeout containers)
Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
Dental floss
Ōla Fertility and Wellness will help you make small, manageable changes. The important thing is to focus on progress, not perfection. Knowledge about PFAS does not need to create stress. Instead, the awareness can be empowering because many of the exposures to PFAS and pathways to support your body are within your control to change.