Are everyday phenols from personal care hurting thinking in older adults?

What's actually in it

Personal care products often contain bisphenol analogues, such as BPA, BPS, BPF, and BPAF. These chemicals are used in various consumer goods and can enter your body through daily use of lotions, soaps, and other personal items.

According to a 2026 study in Food Chem Toxicol, these substances create a cumulative toxicological risk. They don't just sit on your skin. They can be absorbed, meaning your body is constantly processing these chemicals from multiple sources every single day.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Pollut found a direct association between exposure to environmental phenols and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. This peer-reviewed research suggests that these common chemicals may play a role in how our brains age and function over time.

The impact of these chemicals extends beyond the brain. A 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf shows that personal care products are also linked to changes in thyroid function. Because the thyroid helps regulate many body processes, these disruptions can have wide-reaching effects on your overall health as you get older.