'Sephora kids' skin-care trend draws warnings from dermatologists
CTV
The 'Sephora kids' trend has exploded on social media, drawing warnings from dermatologists about how some skin-care products can affect children's skin.
A new skin-care trend has dermatologists concerned about the effects certain products might have on the skin health of kids and teens.
The "Sephora kids" trend has exploded on social media, with viral posts on video-sharing app TikTok showing youth across the United States flocking to beauty and skin-care retailer Sephora.
In their posts, young skin-care fans showcase their shopping visits — often expensive "hauls" — as well as skin-care and beauty routines. The hashtag #sephorakids on TikTok shows posts made by people accusing the kids of leaving behind messes, ruining store displays and mistreating staff and customers.
Some people chalk the trend up to children playing and pretending they're grown-ups, but dermatologists say some skin-care products may not be suitable for children, and could even be harmful.
"Many skin-care products for adults have not been tested on children and teens, so we don't know if they are safe or tolerated by younger users," said Monica Li, a cosmetic and medical dermatologist in Vancouver, in an email to CTVNews.ca. Li is also a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science at the University of British Columbia.
Some products specifically for children exist. For example, some sunscreens, moisturizers and cleansers have been tested and formulated for use in infants and children, Li said. "(The children's products) tend to contain milder or gentler ingredients, are hypoallergenic (allergy tested) and specifically monitored for tolerability with use in these populations," she said.
Products for adults can use ingredients such as collagen. Naturally made and found in our bodies, collagen is "generally safe for use on the skin," Li said, but it's unnecessary for children.
