Ingredient found in soaps and lotions linked to early puberty in girls

Compounds found in fragrances and other products triggered signaling pathways in mouse and human cells that might jump-start early puberty in girls. NIH scientists identified numerous compounds that could activate receptors that likely play a role in triggering puberty, including musk ambrette, a fragrance molecule found in soaps, detergents, and lotions. Findings suggest the need for additional study of the effect of these compounds in humans.