In today’s newsletter, I draw primarily on insights from a 2025 narrative review by Sharifa Alblooshi.

A narrative review is a type of scientific literature review that is less methodologically strict than a systematic review. 

Instead of following predefined inclusion criteria and statistical synthesis (as in meta-analyses), the author summarizes and interprets published findings on a topic over a given period.

As Alblooshi describes, cosmetics are used by virtually everyone, everyday. 

From toothpaste to shampoo showergell and deodorant. And like we saw last week, these products often include a variety of chemicals – some of which are known to have adverse health effects.

For a list of which ingredients to look out for, look at the last issue of OptimMindInsights.

But, be aware, that in many of these products, these chemicals are “hidden” - Described as “Fragrance” or “Perfume”.

Because unfortunately these are regarded as “trade secrets” and so, the manufactures are not obligated to disclose what chemicals are used.

However, we know many cosmetic products include what is known as EDCs - Endocrine Distrubting Chemicals”.

The endocrine system is the body’s hormone communication network.

Hormones regulate essentially every bodily function including metabolism, reproduction, mood, and energy.

Think of your hormones as keys and of your cells as small fabrics with a lock on them. Each hormone fits a specific receptor (lock) and triggers a specific action in the fabric like "produce more estrogen" or "reduce testosterone." 

EDC’s, Chemicals like parabens and phthalates are shaped with enough similarity to your natural hormones that they can slide into the same locks.

In that way, they can activate signals that were not intended, potentially interfering with normal hormonal function.

As many of you properly know, I originally started this newsletter to build a business.

What I have realized is that I want to help ambitious people improve their focus and avoid burning out while chasing their big goals.

To gain more experience and references, Im taking on 2 clients for free.

Duration: 2 months

If you're interested, reply “coaching” to this newsletter, and I will reach out to set up an initial talk.

Your hormonal system is so complex that I could never fully explain it in these newsletters. It’s a detailed system build through millions of years, specially designed to make you thrive and achieve your goals. 

Millions of years ago, this was to get food and reproduce, while today it could be to get a promotion, build a business – and yeah maybe still to reproduce… 

No other time in history has something from the surrounding been able to directly influence this finetuned system. 

Sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen influence drive, dopamine is central to pursuit and goal-directed behavior, while serotonin is more involved in mood stability, satiety, and behavioral restraint.

None of these chemicals has a single job, and none works alone. This is a complex interdependent system. Disturb one part and the effects the whole.

And because business performance depends on sustained drive, decision-making, and cognitive stamina, even small shifts can result in huge effects.

But in addition to EDCs Semerád also mentions something called VOCs as a specific threat for neurological adverse effects of cosmetic use.

Volatile Organic Compounds are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature.

This does not mean it’s only a relevant problem for sprayable products. 
Any chemical that is volatile by nature will evaporate at room temperature regardless of the format it's in.

Some of these chemicals can cross the blood–brain barrier - the protective system that normally shields the brain from harmful substances.

Once inside, they can interfere with neurotransmitter signaling, promote oxidative stress, and trigger neuroinflammation.

Over time, chronic exposure has been associated with mood disturbances, anxiety, depression, memory issues, and impaired cognitive function.

VOCs may also disrupt the HPA axis, which is the system that regulates the release and control of the stress hormone cortisol - potentially affecting stress responses and emotional regulation.

Given how heavily entrepreneurial and leadership performance depends on clear thinking, sustained focus, and mood stability, it is not hard to see how chronic exposure to such chemicals could weaken ones chances of achieving ones ambitious goals.

So, are you going to switch your daily deodorant with a natural non-toxic one?

I have done so a while ago…

We’ve talked a lot about mental energy here.

How ambition without structure leads to cognitive fatigue.
How constant execution drains clarity.

I want to share something practical.

A colleague of mine, Kanika Vasudeva, works with ambitious founders and experts on designing their week for scalable growth - not just busyness.

One idea of hers that stuck with me:

Your calendar shows whether you’re operating… or leading.

If your week has no protected strategy time, no deliberate revenue focus, no space to think, you just stay reactive.

And reactive work is mentally expensive.

She created a simple framework called the Leadership Expansion Reset: a short audit to help you:

• Identify where your schedule is draining mental energy
• Spot low-leverage patterns
• Create protected space for strategic work
• Align your calendar with scalable growth

If you’re building something ambitious (or thinking about it), it’s worth 20 focused minutes.

You can download it here