California Lawmaker Introduces Legislation to Stop Sale of ‘Anti-Aging’ Skincare Products to Children

A California lawmaker aims to protect children from anti-aging products as a result of the “Sephora kids” trend. The “Sephora kids” trend came about with the social media influencer boom, when skincare companies used influencers to market their products; but they also receive unexpected consumers. 

California assemblymember Alex Lee is fighting back against the companies who are “pocketing profits by selling cosmetic products — marketed as anti-aging, wrinkle reducing — and brightening, to children.” 

On February 18, Lee introduced new legislation to protect children from the unnecessary risk of anti-aging products, a press release stated. If passed, the bill would ban the sale of anti-aging products that contain potent and harsh ingredients to kids under the age of 18. 

Lee’s main concern is protecting children from chemicals that may be damaging to young, sensitive skin and to stop the beauty industry from fueling the "Sephora kids" trend. 

“The beauty industry is cashing in on the ‘Sephora kids’ phenomenon where children are buying and using adult anti-aging products,” said Assemblymember Lee. “Kids don’t need anti-aging products. The beauty industry knows that, and some companies have acknowledged the issue. But their statements – absent real and meaningful action – are performative and fall short of responsible behavior. We have to stop the beauty industry from exploiting our youth. It’s time we take action, and my bill is a common sense measure to protect kids from unnecessary and potentially harmful anti-aging products.” 

Under Assemblymember Lee’s bill any products that contain vitamin A and its derivatives, including retinoids and retinol, and an alpha hydroxy acid including glycolic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), or citric acid, would be banned for children under the age of 18. 

Lisa Swanson, MD, sat down with Modern Aesthetics last year to discuss the tweens and viral skincare trends. She explained the dangers children face when using products with properties not meant for young, gentle skin.

“There are two major concerns I have with patients using products that they might hear about on social media,” Dr. Swanson explained. “First is really cost. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have good-quality skincare. I worry a little bit that they’re simply spending too much money on some of these products that might not have anything to benefit them above and beyond our normal, gentle skincare products that are quite affordable. The second concern I have is contact dermatitis. There are so many products out there with ingredients that might cause an irritant contact dermatitis, or even an allergic contact dermatitis.”

A concern Assemblymember Lee points out in his legislation is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require testing of cosmetic products such as anti-aging creams on children. The bill explains only products specifically intended for use by children, such as baby lotions, sunscreens and medications undergo age-appropriate testing. 

Assemblymember Lee says he is “committed to ensuring that the beauty industry in the U.S. takes concrete action on the issue.”

Calls to protect children from harmful chemicals in these cosmetic skincare products are also being address in other countries. In 2024, Apotek Hjartat, a major Swedish pharmacy chain, moved to restrict people under 15 from buying advanced skin care with ingredients including AHA acid, BHA acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, enzyme peeling, and mechanical peels with physical grains. Customers must be 15 years of age, have parental consent, or a skin condition that justifies the use of these products under the new rule.