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Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Have No Place in Skincare: Why We Choose a Different Path...

  • Writer: Nana Kat’s Apothecary
    Nana Kat’s Apothecary
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

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Back in 2019, our skincare journey began the way many ideas do: around a kitchen table. An artist, a plant devotee, and a medical herbalist (Nana Kat) came together with a shared mission—to create natural, clean, plant-based, and sustainable skincare rooted in folk herbalism.


What brought us together wasn’t just creativity or curiosity. It was absolute disbelief at the ingredients hiding inside mainstream skincare—especially as our own teenage and pre-teen daughters were beginning to explore the world of beauty products.

And what we discovered? Well… let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.


The Shocking Reality Behind Mainstream Skincare

Peeling back the labels of high-street products revealed ingredient lists full of things you’d never find in nature—some flagged as carcinogenic, others known to disrupt hormones and metabolism. Synthetic fragrances and chemical fillers appeared again and again, even in brands promoting themselves as “natural.”


The more we learned, the more frustrated we became. Half-truths. Clever marketing. Ingredients quietly tucked behind comforting buzzwords.


So we decided to do something about it.


Crafting a Cleaner Alternative


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Having a medical herbalist Grandmother, our solution was simple: return to what nature has always offered.


We began creating skincare inspired by plants and folk herbalism—products built from botanical oils, plant hydrosols, plant extracts, minerals, and essential oils. No shortcuts. No fillers. No chemicals. Every bottle is crafted intentionally, ensuring it reflects both our ethics and our dedication to providing genuinely clean skincare.



Why Going Natural Matters (And Not Just Because It Sounds Nice)

Choosing natural skincare isn’t just a lifestyle trend—it’s a scientifically supported decision.

Many mainstream skincare products contain substances such as parabens and phthalates, both known endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can interfere with the delicate balance of the hormone system and have been linked to:

  • reproductive and fertility concerns

  • early puberty in girls

  • metabolic disruption

  • and, in some research, an association between certain phthalates and endometriosis in women


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Phthalates—often used as plasticisers to improve product texture—are found in fragrances, nail polish, hair care, and plastics. (This is one of the reasons why our packaging is glass, not plastic.)


The encouraging news? Research shows that reducing exposure to these chemicals is not only possible but remarkably fast. Switching to natural skincare can significantly lower personal phthalate levels within just two weeks, especially in teenage girls.


Nature Knows What It’s Doing

Beyond avoiding harmful chemicals, natural skincare provides an abundance of benefits. Botanical ingredients bring with them antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and skin-loving compounds that support, nourish, and protect.


There are no harsh endocrine disruptors—just plants doing what they do best.

When you choose natural skincare, you're not only supporting healthier skin but also contributing to your, and our planet's, long-term wellbeing.


Join the Movement Towards Cleaner Skincare


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Our brand was born out of equal parts frustration, determination and passion for nature—fueled by the belief that skincare should never compromise health. We remain committed to crafting products that honour nature and protect the people who use them.


Because at the end of the day, we believe something wholeheartedly:


Nature knows best, and when someone makes the switch to natural skincare, they won't look back.


If you would like to know more about our ingredients and why we use them, have a wee look at our Ingredients Almanac - including research papers...


If you would like to know more about the ingredients we don't use and why, including the research, have a wee look at Our Ethos...


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"I just wanted to say thank you. I bought the Astrologer Face Oil... last weekend, and in the week I’ve used it my redness and blemishes have cleared up and my skin is feeling amazing. I’ve had so many compliments and am so delighted with the results. What was a spontaneous purchase has really improved my self confidence"

Astrologer Facial Oil Elixir

VERIFIED PURCHASE

"Fabulous product! Skin feels rejuvenated and nourished. Would highly recommend trying The Seer if you are experiencing skin changes due to the menopause. I genuinely won’t use anything else"

The Seer Facial Oil Elixir

VERIFIED PURCHASE

"Our daughter has had a terrible time this past year with breakouts on her hands, with skin cracking and bleeding, especially around finger joints….. even typing at work has been painful!! All the doctors can provide is the usual steroidal rubbish that you can only use for short periods….. the new Airmid’s soothing botanical salve had an almost instantaneous effect, as within hours her skin had softened, especially around the cracked and bleeding finger joints!! This has been an immense relief."

Airmid’s Herbs - Soothing Botanical Salve

VERIFIED PURCHASE

"I wanted to say the Face Oils (I've been using) for the last year have been so Fab… But then I ordered Beira’s Charm and OMG, it is a game changer…

I wash my face with this, then use the Seer and see the difference straight away…  I am in my 60s, and my Husband said if you carry on improving like this, you will have to start carrying an ID card around to buy wine 🤣"

Beira's Charm -

Oil to Milk Cleanser

VERIFIED PURCHASE

ABOUT NANA KATS APOTHECARY

Award Winning Skincare made in Scotland

We are a small family apothecary with a passion for natural, ethical, planet friendly, vegan skincare based on the East coast of Scotland along the bank of the beautiful River Tay. We are inspired by folk herbalism and channel the herbalist Nicolas Culpepper, the Celtic mythological healer - Airmid and perhaps a little bit of Luna Lovegood.

A member of the Guild of Craft Soap & Toiletry Makers

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Nana Kat’s Apothecary, 9 Woodside Road, Liff, DD2 5LU, Scotland

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