Your Clean Beauty Wake-Up Call: Ingredients to Rethink During Perimenopause

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be navigating the early signs of perimenopause while also helping clients do the same, I might not have believed you. But here I am: 42, and beginning to notice the subtle shifts in my body that come with this next phase of life.

The more conversations I had with guests in their late 30s and 40s, the more I recognized just how common these changes are. Shifts in sleep, mood, energy, and overall well-being that often feel hard to explain. These honest exchanges made me reflect on something I’ve long been passionate about: the impact of endocrine disruptors in our beauty routines. Through my own health journey, I’ve spent years researching how these ingredients affect the body. More recently, I began considering how they might also be influencing the experiences of the women sitting in my chair, many of whom are navigating perimenopause or menopause. I wasn’t uncovering something new, but rather viewing it through a different lens. It reminded me why clean beauty matters so much, especially during times of hormonal change. While we can’t control everything our bodies are going through, we can choose products that are more supportive and aligned with our long-term health.

What are endocrine disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the way our hormones function. They’re found in many conventional beauty products, household items, plastics, and even some foods. While they may not cause immediate harm, consistent, low-level exposure over time can add up—especially when our hormones are already in a natural state of fluctuation.

These ingredients are often hidden in things like synthetic fragrance, parabens, and phthalates, which are common in haircare, skincare, and cosmetics. BPA, found in plastics and food packaging, and triclosan, used in some hand sanitizers and toothpaste, are also on the list.

When I first transitioned to non-toxic products over six years ago, it was because I wanted to live more intentionally. What I didn’t fully realize then was how much those choices would end up supporting my body now.

Why this matters during perimenopause and menopause

When your body is already undergoing hormonal changes, the last thing it needs is something that adds more confusion to the mix.

Perimenopause is a time when estrogen and progesterone levels begin to shift. These fluctuations are a natural part of aging, but when endocrine disruptors come into play, they can imitate or block natural hormones. This can contribute to more intense symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and disrupted sleep, and interfere with your body’s ability to regulate itself. Over time, they may even increase the risk of earlier menopause or hormone-related conditions.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness. Our systems are already doing a lot, and anything we can do to reduce the load is a step toward feeling better.

Where exposure happens and how to start making better choices

The truth is, these ingredients are more common than we think. They’re found in everything from hair spray to body lotion, from air fresheners to cling wrap. But small changes really do make a difference.

A great place to start is by choosing products without synthetic fragrance and looking for brands that use essential oils or are truly fragrance-free. Switching to glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic is another simple, effective swap. Buying organic, especially for produce like strawberries, spinach, and apples, can help lower exposure to pesticide residue. And of course, using clean beauty products with clear, transparent ingredient lists ensures you’re making choices that align with your well-being.

It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Think of it as a gradual shift. Each small choice is one step closer to supporting your body naturally.

How Salon True supports this journey

At Salon True, clean beauty has always been about caring for the whole person. As I move through this stage of life myself, I’ve become even more intentional about the products we use; choosing ones that are gentle, transparent, and free from ingredients that may disrupt your hormones.

Everything we bring into the salon is selected with your well-being in mind. Whether you’re just starting to explore clean beauty or already deep into the journey, our space is here to support you.

Final thoughts

As these conversations with my guests continue, I’m reminded how important it is to stay curious, to keep learning, and to share what we discover with one another. Clean beauty has always been a personal commitment for me, rooted in my own health journey. But being able to extend that knowledge and help others make informed choices—especially during a time when so much is shifting—is something I feel deeply grateful for.

While we can’t control every factor influencing our well-being, we can choose what we put on our bodies. Clean beauty is one simple, empowering way to support yourself and honour where you are.

If you’re navigating this season too, I hope this has offered a moment of clarity or connection, and maybe encouraged you to rethink what’s in your routine. Small changes truly can make a meaningful difference.

Let’s continue the conversation

If you’re curious about the clean beauty swaps we use at Salon True or want to learn more about hair care products that align with your wellness values, we’re always here to help. Book a consultation or stop by the salon—we’d love to share what we use and why it matters.