INTRODUCTION
The "Sephora Kids" phenomenon denotes the increasing trend of children, particularly tweens and teens, using makeup and skincare products marketed by beauty retailers such as Sephora. Although the use of these products by children is not a recent development, the advent of social media influencers and the widespread availability of beauty products on online platforms like TikTok have markedly amplified children's interest and involvement with these products.1
From a dermatological perspective, the use of makeup and skincare products at a young age presents both potential benefits and risks. On the positive side, certain skincare products may encourage good hygiene practices and provide skin protection, particularly when they include ingredients like sunscreen or moisturizers. Additionally, experimenting with makeup can promote self-expression and creativity in children.1 However, there are risks associated with the early and frequent use of cosmetics. Children's skin is more sensitive and susceptible to irritation compared to adult skin. Skincare products designed for adults often contain active ingredients, such as retinol, fragrances, and exfoliating acids, which are unsuitable for the more delicate skin of children and can result in adverse reactions, including rashes, irritation, and allergic responses.1 The use of these products can also compromise the skin barrier, potentially exacerbating existing skin conditions. Furthermore, children's higher cell turnover rate renders potent ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids unnecessary and potentially harmful.2
It is essential to consider the potential implications of this trend on children's health and well-being, particularly when they use products intended for adult skin. This review examines the common ingredients found in products marketed to tweens and teens on TikTok and assesses the potential side effects associated with their use.
Products
Retinol
Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol and tretinoin, have been studied in a limited number of pediatric patients with specific conditions like acne and ichthyosis; however, their effects on pediatric patients without these underlying conditions have not been thoroughly investigated.3 Over-the-counter brands available at retailers like Sephora offer topical products containing up to 1% retinol, which can be hazardous if used improperly and without medical supervision. Due to their proliferative effects, vitamin A derivatives can cause skin irritation, manifesting as redness, scaling, and, in severe cases, retinoid-induced dermatitis.4 This raises concerns regarding the integrity of the skin barrier and the heightened risk of sunburn and infection during periods of inflammation.
While vitamin A is crucial for various bodily functions, including vision, immune health, and skin maintenance, excessive amounts can pose significant risks.5 Although systemic absorption of vitamin A from topical treatments like tretinoin and retinol is minimal in adults, research on pediatric populations is limited. Given the differences in surface area and metabolism
From a dermatological perspective, the use of makeup and skincare products at a young age presents both potential benefits and risks. On the positive side, certain skincare products may encourage good hygiene practices and provide skin protection, particularly when they include ingredients like sunscreen or moisturizers. Additionally, experimenting with makeup can promote self-expression and creativity in children.1 However, there are risks associated with the early and frequent use of cosmetics. Children's skin is more sensitive and susceptible to irritation compared to adult skin. Skincare products designed for adults often contain active ingredients, such as retinol, fragrances, and exfoliating acids, which are unsuitable for the more delicate skin of children and can result in adverse reactions, including rashes, irritation, and allergic responses.1 The use of these products can also compromise the skin barrier, potentially exacerbating existing skin conditions. Furthermore, children's higher cell turnover rate renders potent ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids unnecessary and potentially harmful.2
It is essential to consider the potential implications of this trend on children's health and well-being, particularly when they use products intended for adult skin. This review examines the common ingredients found in products marketed to tweens and teens on TikTok and assesses the potential side effects associated with their use.
Products
Retinol
Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol and tretinoin, have been studied in a limited number of pediatric patients with specific conditions like acne and ichthyosis; however, their effects on pediatric patients without these underlying conditions have not been thoroughly investigated.3 Over-the-counter brands available at retailers like Sephora offer topical products containing up to 1% retinol, which can be hazardous if used improperly and without medical supervision. Due to their proliferative effects, vitamin A derivatives can cause skin irritation, manifesting as redness, scaling, and, in severe cases, retinoid-induced dermatitis.4 This raises concerns regarding the integrity of the skin barrier and the heightened risk of sunburn and infection during periods of inflammation.
While vitamin A is crucial for various bodily functions, including vision, immune health, and skin maintenance, excessive amounts can pose significant risks.5 Although systemic absorption of vitamin A from topical treatments like tretinoin and retinol is minimal in adults, research on pediatric populations is limited. Given the differences in surface area and metabolism
