Moms & Moms-to-Be

Endocrine disruptors: What exactly are they?

An endocrine disruptor is a chemical substance capable of interfering with the endocrine system, even at very low doses. According to the French National Health Insurance (ameli.fr, 2026), these substances can mimic the action of our natural hormones or block their receptors, thereby disrupting essential functions such as reproduction, growth, and metabolism.

What are the most common endocrine disruptors in cosmetics? Parabens (preservatives), triclosan (an antibacterial agent), phthalates (plasticizers found in perfumes), silicones such as cyclotetrasiloxane, and BHA, which is classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. These substances are found in everyday products such as shower gel, foundation, and facial care products.

The real concern is what’s known asthe “cocktail effect”: each product on its own may contain only a tiny amount of these substances. But multiply that by your shampoo, deodorant, day cream, makeup… The cumulative exposure becomes potentially problematic, affecting both your overall health and that of your baby.

Why pregnancy is a time of increased vulnerability

During pregnancy, endocrine disruptors pose a particular risk. Obstetrician-gynecologists strongly recommend that pregnant women minimize their exposure to these substances as much as possible. Why? These molecules cross the placental barrier and can reach the developing fetus.

According to the French National Health Insurance, population-based studies show an increase in certain conditions potentially linked to endocrine disruptors: genital malformations, precocious puberty, neurodevelopmental disorders, and reduced fertility. The document from the La Rochelle Hospital Center (CH La Rochelle, ref. PFME-IF-018-1209961) states that these substances are even suspected of “programming” conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or hormone-dependent cancers, which may appear years later.

The first 1,000 days of life (from conception to age 2) represent the period of greatest vulnerability. Therefore, there is no “ideal trimester” to start: the best approach is to limit exposure from the moment you plan to conceive.

Spotting Endocrine Disruptors on Labels

Reading a cosmetics label when you're pregnant is a bit like trying to decipher a menu written in Mandarin Chinese. Here are the names to look for in the INCI list (the mandatory ingredient list on the back of the product):

• Parabens: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben. Preservatives suspected of disrupting thyroid and sex hormones.
• Phthalates: often hidden behind the terms "perfume" or "fragrance." Found in nail polish, hair styling products, and scented soaps.
• Cyclic silicones: cyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrasiloxane. According to the INRS, the latter is “suspected of impairing fertility.”
• BHA / BHT: synthetic antioxidants. BHA is classified as a possible carcinogen and is suspected of being toxic to reproduction.
• Triclosan: an antibacterial agent that may affect the thyroid. Banned in antibacterial soaps in the United States since 2016.
• Chemical sunscreen filters: benzophenones (including oxybenzone) and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. Known endocrine disruptors.

There are two handy tools to make this easier for you: theYUKA app, which rates products based on their ingredients and alerts users to endocrine disruptors, and theScan4Chem app, which is linked to the AGEC law that is gradually requiring brands to disclose the presence of substances of concern.

Which natural ingredients should you prioritize during pregnancy?

The good news? There’s no shortage of safe and effective alternatives. Virginvegetable oilsare among the most reliable options for pregnant women. Be careful, though: it’s important to distinguish between 100% natural vegetable oils and mineral oils (derived from petroleum), which should be strictly avoided during pregnancy.

Some natural ingredients that are safe for the skin include:

• Sea buckthorn oil: rich in omega-7 (palmitoleic acid), vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene, it helps nourish the skin and support its elasticity. 20 times richer in omega-7 than any other fruit in the world, and 10 times more concentrated in beta-carotene than a carrot, its remarkable composition makes it a complete beauty treatment for both the face and body.
• Shea butter: the ultimate nourishing ingredient, 100% natural, and safe to use during pregnancy.
• Pure aloe vera gel: soothing, suitable for use on both the face and body.

At Maison de l’Argousier, our commitment is clear: simple formulas (few ingredients, all traceable), at least 96% naturally derived ingredients, zero endocrine disruptors, and zero essential oils. All products in the line are rated “Excellent” on YUKA and clinically tested under dermatological supervision.

Karen Chemin, founder of Maison de l’Argousier, has made this commitment a cornerstone of the brand: “We prioritize natural ingredients to offer healthy products that are free of endocrine disruptors.”

Essential oils during pregnancy: exercise extreme caution

Essential oils deserve a section of their own. An essential oil can contain up to 200 different chemical compounds. They are powerful concentrates, not just “scented waters.”

Strict rule:All essential oils are prohibited during the first three months of pregnancy. Those containing ketones remain prohibited throughout the entire pregnancy. From the 4th to the 9th month, certainoils are permitted (true lavender, Roman chamomile, petitgrain bigarade, sweet orange), but only at a maximum concentration of 1% in daily skincare products.

If in doubt, floral waters (hydrosols) are a much gentler alternative. And if you’re looking for an effective skincare product that contains no essential oils, it’s entirely possible: brands like Maison de l’Argousier formulate their entire product line without essential oils—a conscious choice made with the health of pregnant women in mind.

Beyond cosmetics: a healthier environment for babies

Cosmetics are only part of the picture. Endocrine disruptors are found everywhere in our environment: in kitchen plastics, particleboard furniture, household cleaning products, paints, stain-resistant textiles, and even in certain foods through pesticide residues. They contain molecules capable of causing long-term effects on the body.

Here are some practical steps recommended by the Health Insurance Administration to limit overall exposure:

• In the kitchen: Gradually replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel ones. Choose cast-iron or iron pans instead of nonstick ones.
• At home: Air out the housefor 10 minutes in the morning and evening instead of using air fresheners. Use white vinegar, liquid soap, and baking soda for cleaning.
• For home improvement projects: Finish the nursery at least 3 months before the baby is born. The expectant mother should not participate in the work. Choose paints with an A+ rating.
• For your diet: Choose organic fruits and vegetables, small fish (such as sardines and mackerel), and glass containers. Avoid soy (phytoestrogens).

Substances enter the body through breathing, food, or skin contact. Tap water may also contain traces of drug residues. The good news is that some pollutants are quickly eliminated through urine or sweat as soon as exposure stops.

Labels and certifications: Which ones really make a difference?

Not all certifications are created equal. Here are the ones that offer the strongest guarantees regarding the absence of endocrine disruptors in cosmetic products:

• Cosmos Organic / Ecocert: ban a large number of controversial substances (parabens, phthalates, silicones, chemical UV filters).
• Slow Cosmétique: Founded by Julien Kaibeck, this certification guarantees products free of endocrine disruptors and actively combats greenwashing.
• Nature et Progrès: among the strictest standards in France.

Be careful, though: a product labeled “natural” or “organic” isn’t automatically guaranteed to be free of endocrine disruptors. The term “natural” has no legal definition in cosmetics. Only the label certifies this. And beyond the label, the most reliable approach remains checking the INCI list:the shorter the list, the better. Products with few ingredients generally offer greater transparency regarding their actual effects.

Taking care of your pregnancy also means taking care of yourself

Wanting a pregnancy free of endocrine disruptors doesn’t mean giving up on pampering yourself. Quite the opposite. It’s an opportunity to rediscover skincare routines that are simpler, gentler, and often more effective for your body and your beauty. Plant-based oils rich in omegas to nourish stretching skin. A natural skincare toner to keep your skin glowing despite fatigue. Simple formulas where you understand every ingredient.

During these nine months, your skin is more permeable and more sensitive. Whatever passes through it can reach your baby. Every product you eliminate from your routine is a concrete step toward protecting both your health and your baby’s. And every natural alternative you choose is a gift you give to both of you.

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Sources and references

• French National Health Insurance (ameli.fr), “Pregnancy and the Environment,” March 12, 2026 View
• La Rochelle Hospital Center, “Endocrine Disruptors: Practical Advice,” ref. PFME-IF-018-1209961 View
• Emancipées, “Endocrine-disruptor-free cosmetics brands” View