The Hidden Hormone Disruptors in Deodorant, Detergent & More – What to Swap Them For

You use deodorant, right? How about body wash? Laundry detergent, a little lotion and maybe some dry shampoo? These are everyday products we all reach for to feel fresh, clean and like we have our lives semi-together.

But here's the truth: a lot of these products are full of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). These are chemicals that can interfere with your body's hormones. And hormones? They run the show. From energy, mood and fertility, to sleep quality and skin health. Your hormones are involved in just about everything.

If you're feeling low energy, foggy, moody, or like something is off, it might be time to take a closer look at what you're putting on your body every day. For women, hormonal shifts are normal throughout the month. But, exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds can make those ups and downs feel more intense. Learning to support your body through cycle syncing is a great place to start.

And listen, this blog isn't here to freak you out. It's about awareness. Once you know better, you can do better, without breaking the bank or giving up your favorite self-care rituals. Ready?

What Are Endocrine Disrupting Compounds and Why Should You Care?

Endocrine disrupting compounds are chemicals that mess with your hormonal command center, also known as your endocrine system. These compounds can mimic estrogen, block hormone receptors, or interfere with how hormones are made, transported, and broken down.

Over time, exposure to these can lead to hormone imbalance and health issues like:

• Fertility issues

• Thyroid disfunction

• Early puberty

• Skin problems

• Mood swings

• Increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers

And here's the sneaky part. These hormone disruptors hide in the most ordinary products, often disguised under the innocent label "fragrance."

Synthetic Fragrance: The Hidden Cocktail of Endocrine Disruptors

"Fragrance" or "parfum" may sound harmless. Unfortunately, it's often code for a chemical mix of phtalates, parabens, and other endocrine disruptors.

Because fragrance is legally considered a "trade secret," companies don't have to disclose what's actually in it. So that fresh scent in your lotion or the "clean laundry" aroma from your dryer sheets? It might come with a side of hormonal chaos.

Common culprits include:

• Deodorant

• Lotion and body wash

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Perfume and cologne

• Air fresheners and candles

• Laundry detergent and dryer sheets

• Cleaning sprays and dish soap

Once you know, you can't unknow. But the good news? There are plenty of natural alternatives that still smell amazing and support your body instead of stressing it out.

Everyday Product Swaps to Ditch Hormone Disruptors

Start with what you use most often, especially anything that touches your skin daily. These simple swaps are easy, effective, and honestly kind of fun to upgrade.

1. Deodorant

Swap: conventional antiperspirants (usually full of aluminum and synthetic fragrance)

Try instead:

• Primally Pure (10% off with code MICH)

• Curie

• Jack Henry

• Humble Brands

• Attitude Unscented

2. Shampoo & Conditioner

Swap: Strong scented, synthetic-heavy formulas

Try instead:

• Rahua

• Innersense Organic Beauty

• Carina Organics

• Attitude Hair Care

3. Lotion & Body Moisturizer

Swap: Scented drugstore body lotions

Try instead:

• Primally Pure Body Butter (10% off with code MICH)

• Attitude Body Lotion

• Organic jojoba or almond oil (simple, pure, and oh-so-glowy)

4. Laundry Detergent

Swap: Tide, and anything that says "Spring Breeze" or "Ocean Mist"

Try instead:

• Truly Free (10% off with code MICH)

• Molly Suds

• Branch Basics Laundry Boost

• Attitude Fragrance-Free

5. Dryer Sheets

Swap: Scented dryer sheets (a top offender for hormone disruptors)

Try instead:

• Truly Free Dryer Angel

• Molly's Suds Wool Dryer Balls (add a few drops of essential oil if you want scent)

6. Dish Soap

Swap: Dawn, Palmolive. Brightly colored, strong-scented soaps that dry out your hands.

Try instead:

• Molly Suds

• Attitude

• Puracy

7. Candles & Air Fresheners

Swap: Paraffin candles, plug-in air fresheners and car scents

Try instead:

• Primally Pure Candles (10% off with code MICH)

• Good Chemistry Candles

• Fontana Candle Co. (beeswax + essential oils)

• Grow Fragrance Room Spray

• Essential oil diffusers

• Enviroscent

• Scent Fill

Your home will still smell amazing. Promise.

8. All-Purpose Cleaner

Swap: Clorox. Windex. Harsh synthetic sprays.

Try instead:

• Force of Nature

• Branch Basics

• Aunt Fannie's Cleaning Vinegar

How to Spot Endocrine Disruptors on a Label

You don't need to memorize a chemistry book. Here are some red flags to look for:

• Fragrance or parfum

• Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl-)

• Phthalates (DBP, DEP, etc.) - commonly used in fragrances to last longer

• Triclosan - found in toothpaste and anti-bacterial products

• Dioxins

• Formaldehyde releasers (dimethyl urea, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl, bronopol, DMDM hydantoin)

• BHA/BHT

• Benzophenone

Pro tip: Download the Think Dirty or EWG's Skin Deep apps to scan products before you buy.

It's Not About Perfection. It's About Progress.

You don't need to toss everything overnight or move into a cabin with only a bar of castile soap. Start small, with what you use daily. Choose one or two swaps that feel doable. Then build from there.

Your body is smart and strong. It deserves products that support it, not confuse it. These small changes can make a big difference in your hormone health, energy, and overall well-being.

And best of all? You don't have to sacrifice scent, style, or sanity to get there.

Ready to clean up your routine without the overwhelm?

Check out my Non-Toxic Swap Categories on my Instagram highlights or shoot me a message. I love helping people find budget-friendly clean brands that actually work.

You've got this, and so do your hormones.

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.