So it seems that soaps, shampoos and lotions with lavender cause teenage boys to develop breasts.

Unfortunately, there's no word on whether the fragrant shrub does anything for those without a Y chromosome -- except make us smell pretty.

According to a new study, hair- and skincare products containing lavender or tea tree oil appear to cause abnormal breast development in pre-pubescent boys.

The plant essences apparently have an estrogen-like effect, and create a hormonal imbalance that results in enlarged male breast tissue, or gynecomastia. Researchers believe that the oils stimulate breast growth, and estrogen-inhibiting androgens. After they stopped using lavender products, their breasts shrunk back to a normal size.

Now, this doesn't seem fair, does it? I know that boys get their share of genetic perks. Long ago, I reconciled myself to the fact that so many boys cruise through life with naturally long, lush eyelashes, superfast metabolisms and little need for a Sephora. But this just confirms that the universe has a twisted sense of humor.

Next, they'll tell us that an obsession with shoes can make a man's lips sparkle.