Launching her new business last week, just a month after signing a huge partnership deal with Marks & Spencer, the stylist–turned–influencer Melissa Holdbrook–Akposoe announced to her hundreds of thousands of fans that the ‘secret was finally out’.

After becoming well known for her laundry and lifestyle hacks, tips and secrets, it was only a matter of time before Melissa brought out her own range of products.

But the Daily Mail can reveal that the launch of her new line, Le Luxe, which includes scent boosters, washing detergent and fabric mist, has been overshadowed by concerned consumers claiming that Melissa’s new laundry products could cause fertility issues.

This, I’m told, has caused Melissa, 34, quite the headache, so much so that she has blocked all of her critics in an attempt to silence any negative messaging in the run–up to the range’s launch.

And now experts have confirmed to the Daily Mail that the ingredients used in Le Luxe products might indeed be harmful to people looking to conceive.

Olivia Musa, who owns The Male Fertility Clinic, which has locations in both London and Manchester, said on TikTok last week: ‘I am not going to say the name of this influencer, but she is really popular. She has just started a new business releasing a perfume scented laundry detergent.

‘I own a fertility clinic in London and Manchester. And we are always seeing men and women who are wondering why their fertility results are so poor.

‘So the reason I feel compelled to put a post out is because of how damaging fragrance can be to hormonal health, there are so many hidden disruptors.

The stylist–turned–influencer Melissa Holdbrook–Akposoe launched her new line, Le Luxe, which includes scent boosters, washing detergent and fabric mist

The three Le Luxe products at the centre of the controversy: the laundry beads, £40, tumble dryer sheets, £35, and a clothes mist, £30

Melissa gained her online presence through being UK rapper Stormzy’s stylist

‘So I posted to say: “If you want to be a mum or dad, choose fragrance-free and see beyond the marketing.”

‘If you are sleeping in sheets and wearing clothes that are doused in perfume, then you are putting your hormonal health at risk. I wish the woman all the success, but I am just looking out for friends and patients.’

Fans flooded Olivia’s comment section after the video received half a million views, thanking her for spreading awareness.

And while Olivia chose not to name her target, in the social media world it was no secret who she was talking about.

‘I got blocked for talking about a product which could make it harder for the girlies to fall pregnant in the future,’ Olivia said.

After receiving some hateful comments, she posted another video: ‘Just a reminder that this was not a personal attack. As someone in the field, my obligation is to help men and women who are unaware that these types of products may be best avoided when trying to conceive.’

The Daily Mail asked fertility expert Dr Robin Mesnage, research fellow at King’s College London, to review the three Le Luxe products at the centre of the controversy: the laundry beads, £40, tumble dryer sheets, £35, and a clothes mist, £30.

And the results prove that Olivia was right to raise some concerns with her followers.

Olivia Musa, who owns The Male Fertility Clinic, hinted on TikTok that such products may be harmful to those looking to conceive

‘I’ve poured my heart and soul into Le Luxe to ensure that every product reflects the highest level of premium quality,’ Melissa told fans following the launch of the new line

Essentially, most fragrances contain endocrine–disrupting chemicals, which can disrupt hormone production, harm ovarian follicle development, and are linked to issues such as irregular menstrual cycles, reduced sperm count and higher miscarriage rates.

Dr Mesnage said: ‘These products contain plastics and polymers, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and chemicals such as quaternary ammonium compounds.

‘Some of these ingredients have been linked to endocrine-disrupting effects and have even shown reproductive toxicity in animal studies.

‘There are also studies suggesting that similar effects may already be occurring in human populations exposed to these toxic substances.

‘Laundry products often combine plastics, preservatives and quaternary ammonium. Each of these has raised health concerns, ranging from skin allergies to impacts on fertility.’

The launch of Le Luxe was designed to see Melissa ‘expanding her influence’ via ‘a new brand of luxury scented laundry products that bring high-end fragrance to everyday care.’

The promotional material reveals the ‘scent beads are infused with 12 per cent perfume’ and ‘tumble dryer sheets enriched with 25 per cent perfume’.

The website adds: ‘Le Luxe leaves your laundry so irresistibly fragrant that subtlety doesn’t stand a chance.’

The Daily Mail asked fertility expert Dr Robin Mesnage, research fellow at King’s College London, to review the three Le Luxe products at the centre of the controversy

Known on Instagram and TikTok as ‘melissaswardrobe’, 34, has a combined following of 633,000.

She gained her online presence through being rapper Stormzy’s stylist and her success in persuading her followers to buy products coined the phrase ‘Mel made me do it’.

Naturally, Stormzy then released a song in 2022 entitled Mel Made Me Do It, after her.

She first got into styling by experimenting with a fashion blog when she was 20 years old and got her big break when she was contacted by Maya Jama, presenter and ex–girlfriend of Stormzy.

One thing led to another and, after becoming personal stylist to the likes of Anthony Joshua as well as Stormzy, she began working with luxury brands such as Dior and Chanel, and even branched out into interior design.

She is renowned for her Midas–like ability to sell out the beauty, homeware and fashion picks that she recommends on her personable Instagram Stories.

An M&S jacket that she featured in a post went on to sell out in under two weeks and helped drive the fifth highest online sales day for the brand.

Her love for M&S products bagged her a huge deal with the high street retail giant last month when she was revealed as the new face, she made her debut as the host of Love That, a weekly YouTube shopping show on which she gives fashion advice and tips.

She also runs ‘It’s A Lifestyle, Hun’, a blog and Instagram account where she hands out ‘expert recommendations and lifestyle lessons for the modern cosmopolitan’.

Following the launch of her new business Le Luxe, she released a message to her followers and fans. ‘I’ve poured my heart and soul into Le Luxe to ensure that every product reflects the highest level of premium quality,’ she said. 

‘It has taken years of dedication to perfect these creations and I couldn’t be prouder to finally share them with you.

‘Everything that carries my name must embody what I stand for: uncompromising quality, a truly luxurious experience, and products that make a meaningful difference.

‘At its core, Le Luxe is about transforming the everyday – elevating simple routines into moments of indulgence and joy.

‘It’s often the smallest details that shape how we feel about ourselves and our lives, and Le Luxe exists to make those little things matter in a beautifully big way.’

Melissa has been approached for comment.