Is Your Perfume Triggering Early Puberty in Kids? Cosmetics Influence Hormone Timing in Minors

A recent study has raised alarms about the potential impact of hormone-disrupting chemicals in cosmetics, including perfumes, on the onset of puberty in minors.

Dr. Natalie Shaw, an endocrinologist at the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and her research team published their findings in the journal Endocrinology. They revealed that certain chemicals found in cosmetics can disrupt or mimic hormone production, which is crucial for puberty to begin.

The researchers emphasized the alarming trend of decreasing puberty onset age in minors, suggesting that environmental factors may play a significant role.

Focusing on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) among over 10,000 potential targets, the team specifically examined musk ambrette and cholinergic agents. Their study showed that exposure to these chemicals affected both human cells and zebrafish—a common model organism in biological research. The results indicate that certain perfumes and medications could disrupt average hormone production, with musk ambrette being of particular concern. Despite its restrictions in the US, this chemical is still present in some fragrances.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer notes that musk ambrette has been used for decades to add scent to various products, from detergents and cosmetics to gum and beverages. However, it is now restricted in the US, EU, and Canada.

Cholinergic agents, often prescribed for conditions such as smoking addiction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma, may also influence hormone levels.

The early onset of puberty is linked to several health issues, including obesity, heart disease, breast cancer, and psychological challenges. Since the 1970s, the average age for the onset of puberty has decreased by about three months every decade.

Dr. Shaw stressed the importance of parents carefully selecting federally regulated personal care products for their children, underscoring the need for awareness about what goes into the products they use daily.