Safety and Tolerability of Facial Skincare in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Testing and Multigenerational Insights
September 2026 | Volume 25 | Issue 9 | 807 | Copyright © September 2026
Published online August 31, 2026
Rebecca Smith MDa, Joshua Zeichner MDb, Cheri Frey MDc, Edward (Ted) (Ted) MD MBAd
aAdvanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Fort Mill, SC
bDepartment of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
cDepartment of Dermatology, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC
dSanova Dermatology, Austin, TX
Abstract
Background: Pediatric and adolescent interest in facial skincare is increasing, often driven by social media and early exposure to adult-formulated products.
Objective: To evaluate the safety of skincare products suitable for all ages through the lens of generationally evolving skin attitudes and routine behaviors.
Methods: A 3-product regimen (hydrating cream cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, daily mineral SPF 40) underwent pediatric safety‑in‑use studies under normal use, comedogenic/acnegenic assessments, and adult Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT). In addition, a quantitative cross‑sectional survey across 3 age cohorts (8-17, 18-29, 30-45 years) assessed facial skincare behaviors and attitudes.
Results: Across adult testing, the regimen showed low irritation and sensitization potential, non‑comedogenic performance, and no product‑related adverse events. In 4 pediatric safety‑in‑use studies, no clinically meaningful increases in erythema, dryness, or edema were observed. Among 855 eligible survey respondents, product use, routine complexity, and specialty-product exposure increased with age, whereas daily SPF use was suboptimal in 8-17 year‑olds. "Tested on sensitive skin," "clinically tested," and "fragrance‑free" claims were highly valued across cohorts. Dermatologists and other medical professionals emerged as the most trusted sources of guidance.
Conclusion: A skincare regimen developed with dermatologists demonstrated favorable safety in controlled and real‑world conditions across a large age demographic. Multigenerational survey findings highlight early engagement, persistent gaps in photoprotection, and broad reliance on medically oriented guidance, supporting the need for simple, evidence‑based, age‑appropriate skincare recommendations and greater engagement from the dermatologic community.
INTRODUCTION
Growing consumer engagement with skincare across all age groups, including a documented trend toward early-onset use in children and adolescents, has spurred robust discussion in the dermatologic community. Skincare trends are broadcast on social media through influencer marketing and dermatology/beauty channels. Growth in online searches for ingredient-based education reveals both rising interest and an opportunity for dermatologists to anticipate questions and concerns.1-4 This is especially true when products intended for older, mature skin are used by those with an immature skin barrier and heightened risk of comedogenicity, sensitivity, irritant dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis.5-8 Given heightened interest in active ingredients and the unique vulnerabilities of pediatric skin, rigorous safety evaluation of products marketed to and used by children and adolescents is critical. A dermatologist-developed skincare routine and a generational skincare survey were evaluated to explore modern, relevant guidance, especially for pediatric and adolescent populations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A dermatologist-developed 3-product regimen (Table 1) formulated for sensitive skin - a hydrating cream cleanser, a daily hydrating moisturizer, and a daily sunscreen - underwent safety-in-use studies in pediatric and adolescent subjects, acnegenic/comedogenic evaluations, and an adult Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT) to assess irritation and sensitization under controlled and real-world conditions. All studies followed the Declaration of Helsinki, ICH Guideline E6 for Good Clinical Practice, applicable US regulations (21 CFR Parts 50 and 56), and the testing facilities' standard operating procedures.
