Fragrance Chemicals in Shampoos and Body Wash Disrupt Hormones
This is an editorial summary of research originally reported by Environmental Health Perspectives / NIEHS. ProductSafer does not claim ownership of the underlying research. All intellectual property belongs to the original publishers.
Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that common fragrance chemicals — including phthalates and synthetic musks — act as endocrine disruptors, affecting reproductive hormones even through routine cosmetic use.
The word "fragrance" on a cosmetic label can hide a cocktail of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Research has increasingly focused on two classes of compounds commonly found under this label: phthalates and synthetic musks.
- Reduced sperm count and motility in men
- Early puberty onset in girls
- Altered hormone levels in pregnant women
Synthetic musks (such as galaxolide and tonalide) are fat-soluble and accumulate in the body over time. Research has detected them in human breast milk, blood, and umbilical cord blood.
A 2018 study in *Environmental Health Perspectives* tracked urine levels of phthalate metabolites in women who switched to fragrance-free cosmetics for just three days. Levels dropped by an average of 27–45%.
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Body washes and shower gels
- Perfumes and colognes
- Laundry detergents and fabric softeners
- Choose products labeled "fragrance-free" (not "unscented," which may still contain masking fragrances)
- Look for brands that fully disclose their fragrance ingredients
- Use the EWG Skin Deep database to check product safety ratings
Read the full report at the original source
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