CTPA clears up perfume infertility claims

The Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association has issued a response to claims that perfumes and scented moisturisers could cause cancer and infertility in unborn males.

Research conducted by Professor Richard Sharpe of the Medical Research Council’s Human Sciences Unit found that certain chemicals, including those found in cosmetics, could damage the reproductive system of a male foetus. Sharpe revealed the existence of a time window - between eight and twelve weeks’ gestation - during which androgens like testosterone are most active and the male reproductive system is established. Sharpe told Scotland on Sunday: “If the male foetus does not receive enough androgens it may not realise its full reproductive potential.”

On the back of this, Sharpe suggested that women could stop using body creams and perfumes during pregnancy as a precautionary measure: “Although we do not have conclusive evidence that they do harm, there are components about which there are question marks; for example it could be a certain combination of chemicals.”

Sharpe is due to reveal his full findings tomorrow at the Simpson Symposia in Edinburgh, a gathering of fertility experts organised by Edinburgh University.

CTPA has raised concerns that the findings may be misleading. “The research was carried out on rats,“ a spokesman said. “It is not surprising that feeding large doses of substances to animals will produce negative effects. However, the important fact is that in normal cosmetic use, people are exposed to very low levels of these substances. They are in creams and perfumes that are applied to the outside of the skin rather than ingested, and so do not have the same negative effects.” The association stressed that Sharpe’s research did not look specifically at cosmetic products, before reassuring consumers that all cosmetic products are thoroughly tested.

According to CTPA, Sharpe has discussed his research results with Sense About Science and confirmed that his comments have been taken out of context by the media. He will be appearing on Radio 5 Live to clarify his findings, which the association stresses are not cosmetic-related.