A new study suggests that exposure to certain chemicals—specifically one called musk ambrette—may contribute to early puberty in girls.
Musk ambrette is found in common household products like perfumes, detergents, and personal care products.
The research, published in Endocrinology in August 2024, tested over 10,000 chemicals on human brain cells to see how they affect two important receptors involved in puberty:
- the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR)
- and the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R)
These receptors play a key role in controlling the hormones that start puberty.
One of the main findings was that a fragrance compound called musk ambrette activated the KISS1R receptor, which then led to the production of hormones related to puberty.
Additionally, five other chemicals were identified that activated the GnRHR receptor, which has a similar role in signaling puberty in the brain. In tests with zebrafish, embryos exposed to musk ambrette showed changes in the brain area responsible for releasing hormones related to puberty.
These findings add to existing data showing that exposure to certain chemicals, especially those found in personal care products, might contribute to early puberty in girls.
Why Early Puberty Matters
Early puberty (defined as the onset of puberty in girls under the age of 8) has become more common worldwide over the past decade.
This trend is concerning because early puberty is associated with a wide range of long-term health risks, including:
- Social and psychological challenges, such as increased body image issues and a higher likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors
Environmental Chemicals and Hormone Disruption
The chemicals identified in this study are part of a broader group known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
These compounds can interfere with the body’s hormone systems, often mimicking or blocking natural hormones like estrogen. Exposure to EDCs has been linked to a range of health problems, including reproductive issues, developmental delays, and certain cancers.
In addition to musk ambrette, the study also identified another group of chemicals known as cholinergic agonists. These substances, found mainly in prescription drugs, have a similar structure to the body’s natural hormones and may also influence the timing of puberty.
Good & Bad News on Musk Ambrette
Musk ambrette has been banned in personal care products in both Canada and the European Union due to its potential health risks, including its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier in animal studies.
Musk ambrette is not explicitly banned in the U.S., but it’s not widely used anymore either. In 1983, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), the trade organization that represents the fragrance industry, removed musk ambrette from its approved list. Then in 1984, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed musk ambrette from its “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) list.
Therefore, if you buy your perfume directly from a recognizable brand that formulates according to IFRA’s standards, you don’t have to worry about musk ambrette.
The problem, however, is that it can still be found in imported products, counterfeit items, and some dollar store products. The lack of detailed fragrance ingredient disclosure on many product labels makes it difficult for consumers to know whether they are being exposed to this compound.
Broader Concerns about Endocrine Disruptors and Early Puberty
The findings of this study add to a growing body of research linking chemical exposures to early puberty in girls.
Other chemicals, such as phthalates (often found in soft plastics and fragranced products) and PFAS (used in non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing), have also been associated with hormonal disruption and reproductive health issues.
The rising concern about these chemicals has led to calls for stricter regulation and more informed policy making.
What You Can Do
Reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals can be challenging, but there are practical steps you can take to limit your family’s risk:
- Choose Fragrance-Free Products: Look for personal care products, detergents, and household cleaners that are labeled as fragrance-free or specify that all fragrance ingredients are disclosed. Avoid products with terms like “fragrance” or “parfum” on the ingredient label, as these can hide harmful chemicals.
- Be Cautious with Imported and Discounted Products: Imported items or products from dollar stores and secondhand shops may not adhere to the same safety regulations as other products.