New evidence suggests that chemicals commonly found in personal care products may be contributing to an increasingly early onset of puberty in girls. Recent research has pointed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates, parabens, and phenols, as the main chemicals. These chemicals, often found in products like shampoos, lotions, and perfumes, can interfere with the body’s hormonal system, triggering puberty years earlier than expected.
For a more in-depth looks, please see our interview with Dr. Natalie Shaw, M.D., from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), who is heavily involved in this research.
Kim Harley, a public health researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, and lead author of a major study on this topic, explained,
“It’s not a question of whether or not someone is exposed to these chemicals; nearly everyone is. The issue is how much they are exposed to, and how this can disrupt the natural hormonal processes”
Harley’s study found that maternal exposure to phthalates and phenols during pregnancy was associated with earlier pubertal development in their daughters, with even small increases in chemical concentrations leading to noticeable changes.
Similarly, Natalie Shaw, M.D., from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), echoed these concerns.
“Our research shows that chemicals like musk ambrette, used in personal care products, may stimulate receptors in the brain that control puberty,” said Shaw. “We’re seeing that early exposure to these substances could prematurely activate the reproductive axis in children”
The cosmetics industry has also faced increasing pressure to address these findings. Some companies have already begun taking steps to phase out chemicals of concern. However, as Shaw noted, “Parents should be mindful of the products they use on their children and seek out those that are regulated to avoid potential harm.”
Advocates for stricter regulations argue that current U.S. standards lag behind those in other regions. “In Europe, chemicals like musk ambrette are restricted due to their potential toxicity, but they remain available in many products here in the U.S.,” added Shaw.
Environmental health experts, like Kyla Taylor, Ph.D., from the Division of Translational Toxicology at NIEHS, emphasize the importance of public education and systematic research into these chemicals.
“Our interactive tools help identify gaps in the data, allowing researchers to prioritise future studies and regulators to make informed decisions,”
As the research community calls for more rigorous testing and clearer guidelines, consumers are encouraged to take proactive steps, such as choosing “paraben-free” and “phthalate-free” products, and staying informed about the ingredients in personal care products.
