The Eco Well podcast IS MAKEUP DISRUPTING YOUR HORMONES!? (no) with Chris Borgert PhD
Oct 21, 2025
Chris Borgert PhD, a toxicologist and endocrine disruption researcher, explains how science, regulation, and sensationalism shape public fears. He parses mechanisms like receptors and potency, compares assays to real physiology, and tackles concerns about parabens, mixtures, and fertility claims. The conversation questions cocktail alarmism and urges skeptical, dose-focused evaluation.
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Clear Definition Of Endocrine Disruptor Matters
- Endocrine disruptor requires three things: an endocrine mode of action, an adverse effect, and a causal link between the two.
- Chris Borgert explains WHO/IPCS definitions and contrasts them with broader Endocrine Society wording to show why mechanism and adversity matter.
Potency And Receptor Occupancy Explain In Vitro Signals
- Potency and receptor occupancy determine whether a chemical with in vitro estrogenic activity can affect humans.
- Borgert summarizes receptor lock-and-key, endogenous hormones occupying receptors, and clinical thresholds for estrogenic potency.
Don’t Assume Paraben Estrogenicity Equals Human Risk
- Do not equate measurable in vitro estrogenicity of parabens with real-world endocrine disruption unless potency and exposure permit receptor displacement.
- Borgert places parabens (e.g., butylparaben) below the human-relevant potency threshold by ~10,000-fold.