Beauty Products to Avoid If You Have Endometriosis

Endometriosis is no longer a silent condition. In Australia, 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime with younger generations being affected earlier.

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows that 9.2% of women born between 1989–95 were diagnosed by age 31, compared to just 6.9% of women in the older 1973–78 cohort. Diagnosis is happening earlier, and prevalence is increasing.

So what’s behind the rise? Improved awareness and earlier diagnosis play a role — but research increasingly points to environmental factors — specifically hormone-disrupting chemicals in everyday beauty products

What are the Chemicals that Affect Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is deeply influenced by hormones — especially estrogen. So, when certain chemicals in beauty or personal care products act like hormones (known as endocrine disruptors), they can throw things off balance and make symptoms worse. These chemicals can mimic estrogen or interfere with how your body processes it, leading to inflammation, pain, and hormone imbalance.

Some of the biggest culprits include:

1. Phthalates

Found in synthetic fragrances, nail polish, and hair sprays, phthalates are known hormone disruptors that can increase estrogen activity in the body. Look for products labelled “fragrance-free” or “naturally scented” to avoid them.

2. Parabens

Commonly used as preservatives, parabens also mimic estrogen. They’re often hiding in moisturisers, cleansers, and body lotions. Check labels for anything ending in -paraben (like methylparaben or propylparaben).

3. Dioxins & PCBs

These aren’t added intentionally but can appear as trace contaminants in products made with petrochemicals, PEGs, or certain surfactants. They’re persistent environmental toxins linked to hormonal disruption and inflammation.

4. Triclosan & Triclocarban

Once popular in “antibacterial” products, these chemicals can alter thyroid hormone levels and disrupt gut health — both of which are key to hormone balance. They’re now banned in some countries but can still appear in imported products.

5. Chemical UV Filters

Sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are known endocrine disruptors. Choose mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead.

6. Synthetic Fragrance Blends

“Fragrance” or “parfum” on an ingredient list can mean hundreds of hidden chemicals — including phthalates and other endocrine disruptors. Opt for products using essential oils or natural extracts for scent.

Top Beauty Products Linked to Hormone Disruption

1. Fragrance-Heavy Products (Perfumes, Body Sprays, Scented Lotions)

• Why risky: Phthalates stabilize scents and extend longevity.
• Chemicals: DEP, parabens, synthetic musks
• Impact: Can mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal balance
• Alternative: Fragrance-free or naturally scented products with essential oils
• Examples: Unscented body lotions, natural mists, phthalate-free perfumes

2. Haircare Products (Shampoos, Conditioners, Hair Dye, Hair Sprays, Serums)

• Why risky: Haircare products can contain phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives; hair dyes may include PPD and ammonia
• Chemicals: DEP, DBP, formaldehyde releasers, p-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
• Impact: Daily scalp exposure may interfere with hormones and exacerbate endometriosis symptoms
• Alternative: Plant-based, PPD-free hair dyes and phthalate-free shampoos/conditioners
• Examples: Organic leave-in conditioners, sulfate-free shampoos, semi-permanent plant-based dyes

3. Deodorants & Antiperspirants

• Why risky: Phthalates and triclosan extend fragrance longevity; underarm application increases absorption
• Chemicals: DEP, triclosan, synthetic fragrances
• Impact: Linked to endocrine disruption and hormonal imbalance
• Alternative: Aluminum-free, fragrance-free, or naturally scented deodorants
• Examples: Mineral-based sticks, crystal deodorants, plant-extract sprays

4. Sunscreen

• Why risky: Chemical UV filters can act as endocrine disruptors
• Chemicals: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octocrylene
• Impact: Hormone interference through daily skin absorption
• Alternative: Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (non-nano)

How to Choose Endometriosis-Safe Products

When you’re living with endometriosis, the products you use every day — from skincare to shampoo — can make a difference. Many conventional beauty products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can interfere with hormones and inflammation. The good news? You can make simple swaps that support your body’s natural balance.

1. Read Ingredient Labels

Get comfortable flipping the bottle. Avoid ingredients like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and chemical UV filters (like oxybenzone). These are common hormone disruptors and are best left off your shelf.

2. Choose Clean, Transparent Brands

Look for products that clearly list their ingredients and avoid vague terms like “fragrance” or “parfum.” 

3. Go Fragrance-Free or Naturally Scented

Synthetic fragrances can hide dozens of chemicals, including phthalates. Choose products scented with pure essential oils or natural extracts instead — or go fragrance-free if you’re sensitive.

4. Pick Mineral Over Chemical

When it comes to sunscreen, opt for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulas. They protect your skin without the hormone-disrupting effects of chemical UV filters.

5. Support Your Hormones Holistically

Clean beauty is just one piece of the puzzle. Pairing low-tox products with nourishing foods, stress management, and rest helps your body find balance and ease inflammation from the inside out.

Key Takeaway

If you’re concerned about hormone-disrupting chemicals and endometriosis, a few mindful swaps can make all the difference:

• Replace fragrance-heavy products, haircare, and deodorants with cleaner alternatives.
• Choose products that are phthalate-free, fragrance-free, or naturally scented with essential oils — and always look for transparent ingredient lists that disclose every component.

At BAMBII, we believe beauty should never come at the cost of your health. That’s why we carefully check every ingredient to ensure our products are free from hidden “fragrance” chemicals, phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and other hormone-disrupting ingredients — so you can feel confident in what you’re putting on your skin every day.

FAQ: Endometriosis & Hormone-Safe Beauty

Q1: Can beauty products really affect endometriosis?
Yes. Studies show parabens, phthalates, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals may interfere with estrogen, a hormone linked to endometriosis.

Q2: What’s the safest skincare for endometriosis?
Look for fragrance-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free products. Mineral-based sunscreens are safer than chemical UV filters.

Q3: Are hair dyes safe?
Plant-based or PPD-free hair dyes reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals compared to traditional permanent dyes.

Q4: Can deodorants worsen hormonal health?
Yes. Phthalates in scented deodorants can interfere with hormones, so aluminum-free and natural deodorants are preferred.

References & Resources

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
   Endometriosis in Australia 2023.
   https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/endometriosis-in-australia

2. World Health Organization (WHO).
   Endometriosis – Fact Sheet.
   https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis

3. Endocrine Society.
   Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Public Health.
   https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc

4. Environmental Working Group (EWG).
   Guide to Endocrine Disruptors in Personal Care Products.
   https://www.ewg.org/

5. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
   Endocrine Disruptors and Reproductive Health.
   https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm