EPIDEMIOLOGY AND HEALTH DATA INSIGHTS
Review Article
May 08, 2026 9 4

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Personal Care Products: Exposure Pathways and Health Effects

Obiageri Ihuarulam Okeoma 1,
Mariam Iyabo Adeoba 2,
Vivian Ukamaka Nwokedi 3 *
1 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria2 Department of Mechanical, Bioresources and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa 3 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria* Corresponding Author
Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 2(4), 2026, ehdi040, https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/18537
Publication date: May 08, 2026
Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, leading to adverse effects on human health, particularly in relation to reproductive, developmental, and metabolic processes. Recent research has increasingly identified personal care products (PCPs) as a major source of EDC exposure. These often contain chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and triclosan, which retain endocrine activity even at low concentrations. 
This narrative review aimed to consolidate current research on the exposure pathways, health effects, and regulatory frameworks associated with EDCs in PCPs.  
A narrative review approach was adopted, focusing on studies published between 2021 and 2026. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and ScienceDirect. 
The review found that EDCs are widely present in personal care products and dermal absorption, oral ingestion, and inhalation are the primary pathways through which EDCs enter the body.  EDCs pose significant risks to human health, including reproductive dysfunction, developmental delays, metabolic disorders, and cancer risks with cumulative exposure exacerbating these risks. Regulatory frameworks vary globally, with many regions lagging in addressing the long-term impacts of EDC exposure.
Ultimately, the findings emphasize the urgent need to address the public health implications of EDC exposure from PCPs, which contribute to chronic diseases across multiple systems. Effective policy recommendations include stricter regulations on EDCs in consumer products, better monitoring systems, and enhanced consumer awareness. These findings will be of significant value to public health officials, regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and health professionals who can influence and implement strategies for reducing EDC exposure to protect human health.

KEYWORDS

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Personal Care Products Exposure Pathways Health Effects Regulatory Frameworks

CITATION (Vancouver)

Okeoma OI, Adeoba MI, Nwokedi VU. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Personal Care Products: Exposure Pathways and Health Effects. Epidemiology and Health Data Insights. 2026;2(4):ehdi040. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/18537
APA
Okeoma, O. I., Adeoba, M. I., & Nwokedi, V. U. (2026). Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Personal Care Products: Exposure Pathways and Health Effects. Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 2(4), ehdi040. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/18537
Harvard
Okeoma, O. I., Adeoba, M. I., and Nwokedi, V. U. (2026). Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Personal Care Products: Exposure Pathways and Health Effects. Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 2(4), ehdi040. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/18537
AMA
Okeoma OI, Adeoba MI, Nwokedi VU. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Personal Care Products: Exposure Pathways and Health Effects. Epidemiology and Health Data Insights. 2026;2(4), ehdi040. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/18537
Chicago
Okeoma, Obiageri Ihuarulam, Mariam Iyabo Adeoba, and Vivian Ukamaka Nwokedi. "Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Personal Care Products: Exposure Pathways and Health Effects". Epidemiology and Health Data Insights 2026 2 no. 4 (2026): ehdi040. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/18537
MLA
Okeoma, Obiageri Ihuarulam et al. "Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Personal Care Products: Exposure Pathways and Health Effects". Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, vol. 2, no. 4, 2026, ehdi040. https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/18537

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