A phthalate was linked to lower androgen markers in men.
Higher DEHP exposure was associated with lower total testosterone and free androgen index.
Read the evidence
The 2024 meta-analysis pooled 37 observational studies from eight countries. It found adverse associations between urinary DEHP metabolites and total testosterone and free androgen index in men. Association is not proof of causation, and this result concerns DEHP—not every phthalate or every fragranced product.
Funding check: the authors declared no competing financial interest. No cosmetics-industry funding was disclosed in the public article record reviewed.
What clinical low testosterone can affect
These are features of diagnosed testosterone deficiency. This chart does not claim that fragrance causes them.