This post is all about how to avoid endocrine disruptors in your everyday life!
If you’ve ever read an ingredient label and thought, “What even is that?” you’re not alone.
As moms trying to create safer homes, we quickly learn that hormone-disrupting chemicals (also called endocrine disruptors, or EDCs) are hiding in places we’d never expect: our deodorant, laundry detergent, skincare, shampoo, and even food storage.
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your whole life to make a difference.
Here are 3 easy ways to reduce hormone disruptors in your daily routine, starting with the simple stuff that makes a big impact. 💛
How to Avoid Endocrine Disruptors
What Are Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs)?
EDCs definition: Endocrine disrupting chemicals are substances that interfere with hormone function in the body. These can mimic or block natural hormones, leading to issues with growth, fertility, metabolism, and even brain development.
3 Easy Ways to Rid Hormone Disruptors
Focusing on natural living and switching to natural products is the best place to start on ridding endocrine disruptors from your life. Here are three of the easiest switches to make:
1. Swap Plastic for Glass (Especially with Food)
Plastic containers—especially for food and drinks—can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates, both well-known endocrine disruptors examples. These can interfere with hormones like estrogen and thyroid function.
Try this instead:
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🍿 Use glass jars for leftovers
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🍱 Pack lunches in stainless steel containers
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🛃 Wrap snacks in beeswax wraps instead of plastic baggies
Bonus: Glass lasts forever and doesn’t stain (goodbye, spaghetti sauce).
2. Switch to Natural Deodorant
Endocrine disruptors in cosmetics are shockingly common. Conventional deodorants are some of the worst offenders. They often contain:
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Aluminum compounds (linked to hormone imbalance)
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Parabens and triclosan (known hormone disruptors)
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Synthetic fragrance (includes phthalates and other unlisted chemicals)
At Faith Farms, we craft non-toxic deodorant free from hormone disruptors. Also, no aluminum, no baking soda, and no mystery ingredients -- just real, clean skincare for your underarms (that really does keep the stink away!)
💛 Shop our Non-Toxic Deodorant Here >>
3. Clean Up Your Laundry Game
Your skin is your largest organ, and it absorbs what touches it. That means your laundry detergent could be a silent source of endocrine disruptors. There are tons of toxins in laundry detergent that you wouldn't even think about!
Conventional detergents may contain:
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Synthetic fragrances (phthalates)
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Preservatives like formaldehyde-releasing agents
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Optical brighteners and surfactants (many are EDCs)
We recommend switching to our Goat Milk Laundry Soap — made with clean, simple ingredients you can pronounce! ☺️ It's even gentle enough for the most sensitive skin.👶🏼
🧼 Try the Non-Toxic Laundry Soap
Common Questions About Endocrine Disruptors
Is it possible to avoid endocrine disruptors?
In today's world, you unfortunately can’t avoid them 100% (unless you become like Jake Gyllenhaal in the Bubble Boy movie)... but with some mindful swaps, you can greatly reduce your exposure to products that affect hormones.
Avoid plastic containers, use fragrance-free products, and eat organic when possible.
How do I detox my body from endocrine disruptors?
Your body detoxes naturally, but you can support it by:
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Drinking filtered water
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Eating fiber-rich, whole foods
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Sweating regularly
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Using natural skincare and cleaners
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Supporting liver health with herbs (like milk thistle)
What are 4 sources of endocrine disruptors?
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Plastic packaging (BPA, phthalates)
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Personal care items (parabens, fragrance)
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Household cleaners (ammonia, formaldehyde)
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Non-organic produce (pesticides like glyphosate)
What foods are endocrine disruptors?
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Non-organic produce (due to pesticides)
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Processed foods with artificial dyes or sweeteners
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Soy (a plant-based estrogen mimicker, especially in high quantities)
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Canned foods with BPA-lined containers
Is coffee an endocrine disruptor?
No, but conventional coffee can contain pesticide residue. To stay safe, choose organic, fair-trade coffee and avoid flavored creamers with additives.
What are 8 places you may be exposed to endocrine disruptors?
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Plastic food containers
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Non-organic fruits and veggies
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Scented candles/air fresheners
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Shampoo and body wash
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Deodorant and lotions
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Laundry detergent
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Store receipts (BPA)
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Household cleaners
Is peanut butter an endocrine disruptor?
Not by nature, but commercial brands may contain hydrogenated oils and pesticide residue. Choose 100% peanuts organic peanut butter with minimal ingredients. (It should only contain peanuts and salt.)
What are the biggest hormone disruptors?
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BPA
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Phthalates
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Parabens
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Triclosan
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Synthetic fragrance
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Pesticides
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Polyethylene glycol
Is mercury an endocrine disruptor?
Yes. Mercury is a heavy metal that can disrupt the endocrine system and impair thyroid and neurological function.
What are some thyroid-disrupting chemicals?
BPA, phthalates, triclosan, perchlorate, and some pesticides are known thyroid disruptors.
What about endocrine disruptors during pregnancy?
Hormone-disrupting chemicals can affect fetal development, so avoiding EDCs during pregnancy is especially important. Stick to clean skincare, non-toxic cleaning products, and organic foods whenever possible.
Is there a list of EDCs I can follow?
Yes! The Endocrine Society and EWG (Environmental Working Group) publish detailed endocrine disruptors lists and guides in PDF form that explain the types of endocrine disruptors and how to avoid them.
What about essential oils? Are they endocrine disruptors?
Most essential oils are not hormone disruptors and can even be supportive of hormonal health. (This is why most of Faith Farms products contain essential oils as their source of natural fragrance!)
However, always choose pure, therapeutic-grade oils and avoid synthetic blends. When in doubt, consult a holistic provider.
Final Thoughts on Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors
You don’t need to be perfect. Just pick one product, one habit, or one area to clean up. Over time, your small changes will lead to a safer, healthier home and body.
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You've got this, mama 💕
— The Faith Farms Team
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We hope you found this helpful on how to avoid endocrine disruptors!