Debunking myths: Essential oils do not cause hormone disruption in children, study finds

23 Nov 2021 --- Essential oils do not affect hormonal balance, despite long-held beliefs that these oils do. This is according to an epidemiological study in the US conducted by Franklin Health Research Centre that found lavender and tea tree oils do not cause endocrine disruption in children’s hormonal systems.

The research results therefore rule out any purported links between tea tree oil and breast development in young boys, a medical condition called gynecomastia. In young girls, the condition is called premature thelarche.

Previous studies purported a causal link between the two essential oils and endocrine disruption in children. While investigations were widely refuted without solid epidemiological evidence, the sensationalist headlines remained.

According to the study authors, “This study provides evidence that lavender essential oil and tea tree essential oil are safe ingredients in formulations for personal care products used on children.”

“The proposed links between these ingredients and endocrine disruption cannot be substantiated in epidemiological studies.”

“This is great news as it once and for all clears up misinformation about Australian Tea Tree Oil, allowing parents to feel comfortable using products that contain this highly efficacious natural ingredient,” says Tony Larkman, CEO at the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association, a producer of tea tree oils.

Investigating effects of essential oils
The US-based study was carried out on 556 children aged between two to fifteen years old.

The researchers found that the prevalence of endocrine disorders among children exposed to tea tree and lavender is consistent with the general population, while noting that an epidemiological study cannot substantiate proposed links between these ingredients and endocrine disruption.This study provides evidence that lavender essential oil and tea tree essential oil are safe ingredients in formulations for personal care products used on children.

The cross-sectional, prospective study was designed to identify the lifetime prevalence of endocrine disruption, including prepubertal gynecomastia and precocious puberty, among children exposed to lavender and tea tree essential oils, compared to those who are exposed to lavender and tea tree essential oils with the prevalence in the general population.

Previous studies surrounding the connection of essential oils and endocrine disruption were either due to limited data, potential contamination of experimentation methods or using products that did not contain either essential oil.

Previous studies
In the separate 2007 Henley et al. study titled “prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils,” researchers called for further studies.

“Until epidemiologic studies are performed to determine the prevalence of gynecomastia associated with exposure to lavender oil and tea tree oil, we suggest that the medical community should be aware of the possibility of endocrine disruption. Also, they should caution patients about repeated exposure to any products containing these oils,” the study authors say.

Overall, warnings raised by Henley, Ramsey, Diaz and Korach (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) in publications since 2007 purporting the link between endocrine disruption and essential oils (and their constituents) were premature, caused undue concern, and erroneously misled the medical community and countless concerned parents.

Tea tree oil is commonly used as a “soothing ingredient” included in clean beauty formulations that combat acne resulting from face mask use.

By Nicole Kerr

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