IVF Glossary & Acronym Decoder

Preservatives that mimic oestrogen by binding to oestrogen receptors. Detected in breast tissue, urine, and follicular fluid. Linked in studies to reduced ovarian response during IVF stimulation. Avoid any ingredient ending in '-paraben'.

Plasticisers and fragrance fixatives classified as endocrine disruptors. Higher urinary phthalate levels in IVF patients are associated with fewer top-quality blastocysts and lower fertilisation rates. Often hidden inside 'fragrance' on ingredient labels.

A trade-secret blend that can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals including phthalates. The single most common hidden source of endocrine disruptors in personal care. Choose 'fragrance-free', not just 'unscented'.

Preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde — a known carcinogen. Common in budget shampoos and conditioners. The EU restricts several; the US does not.

'Forever chemicals' that don't break down in the body or environment. Found in long-wear makeup, non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and stain-resistant furniture. Linked to thyroid disruption and reduced fertility.

D4 is a reproductive toxin banned in EU rinse-off products. D5 is an endocrine disruptor. Both bioaccumulate. Still widely used in US conditioners for slip and shine.

Antimicrobial that disrupts thyroid hormone signalling. Banned from soap by FDA in 2016 but still permitted in some shampoos and personal care products.

Foaming agents in most shampoos. Weaker fertility concern than parabens or phthalates. Main issue is scalp irritation. Lowest-priority swap on the safe-ingredients list.

Gases emitted from paints, adhesives, flooring, and furniture that can act as endocrine disruptors. New builds and renovations can have elevated VOC levels for months.

Toxic metals found as impurities in some cosmetic pigments (especially reds and dark lip colours) and in older plumbing and water supplies. Lead and cadmium are endocrine disruptors and reproductive toxins with no safe level of exposure.

Plasticiser found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy can linings. A well-studied oestrogen mimic linked to reduced egg quality, altered ovarian function, and lower IVF success rates. 'BPA-free' plastics may substitute BPS or BPF, which have similar hormonal effects.

The most common PFAS used in non-stick cookware coatings and cosmetics. When overheated (above 260°C/500°F), non-stick pans release PTFE fumes. In cosmetics it is used for slip; it may be contaminated with shorter-chain PFAS during manufacture.

Flame retardant chemicals used in foam furniture, mattresses, and electronics. Classified as persistent organic pollutants and endocrine disruptors. Banned in the EU and phased out in most US states, but still present in older furniture. Off-gassing from foam is the primary exposure route.

Plastic used in flooring, upholstery, and some clothing. PVC production and disposal releases dioxins. Plasticisers used to soften PVC (typically phthalates) leach out over time and are endocrine disruptors. Avoid in flooring, shower curtains, and children's products.

Synthetic dyes derived from coal tar. Some (particularly p-phenylenediamine in hair dye) have endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic potential. More tightly restricted in the EU/UK than the US. More concerning in hair dye than in rinse-off products.

Chemical UV filter in many sunscreens and some face moisturisers with SPF. Classified as an endocrine disruptor: it penetrates skin, is detectable in blood and urine, and mimics oestrogen in cell studies. Banned in Hawaii and several other jurisdictions to protect coral reefs.

Petroleum-derived ingredients used as emollients in skincare. Not an endocrine disruptor at typical cosmetic concentrations, but may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in poorly refined grades. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is considered safe by most regulators, but many clean-beauty brands exclude it.