Tejal Somvanshi
As reports emerge from Connecticut, a concerning trend in the beauty industry requires attention. Here’s what’s happening with anti-aging products targeting children.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong sent a letter to beauty retailer Sephora regarding their marketing practices. The company’s website displays anti-aging products in search results for “kids,” “skincare for kids,” and “gifts for children.” Among these products is Drunk Elephant’s “Itty Bitty Midi Committee” set, which contains T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum. The serum costs $90 per ounce and contains exfoliating acids meant to combat aging signs – in children.
The medical risks are clear. Dr. Andrew Carlson, Division Head of Connecticut Children’s Primary Care, states: “Introducing skincare products with strong active ingredients to young, sensitive skin can lead to irritation, breakouts, and potential long-term issues if used improperly.”
Medical experts recommend a basic routine for young people: gentle cleanser, daily sunscreen, and lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. According to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, products with retinol and other “anti-aging” ingredients can cause skin irritation, burns, breakouts, and long-term damage to young skin.
A particularly concerning product is Glow Recipe’s “Fruit Babies Bestseller Minis Kit,” which appears first in Sephora’s “gifts for children” search results. The kit contains PHA, BHA, AHA, and salicylic acids – ingredients that can harm young skin. While Drunk Elephant’s website warns against use by children under 12, Sephora’s site omits this crucial information.
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The products’ presentation to children has drawn attention. Vivian Fuller, age 19, shares her experience: “Not playful their packaging but maybe that’s why it’s kind of like kids kind of like it.” She admits TikTok influenced her past use of these products.
Dr. Juan C. Salazar, Physician-in-Chief at Connecticut Children’s, observes: “These products can lead to irritation, redness, breakouts, and longer-term danger.”
AG Tong’s office has requested detailed information from Sephora about their marketing strategies and staff training regarding sales to children. This action follows earlier legal actions – a lawsuit against Meta over Instagram’s features allegedly targeting children and teens, plus an ongoing TikTok investigation.
“Our kids—especially our tween and teen girls—are drowning in influencer content pushing product after product loaded with messages about appearance, hygiene and selfcare. But not everything promoted online is safe or appropriate for kids,” Tong stated during the announcement.
Special Counsel for Media and Technology Lauren Bidra, Assistant Attorney General Tess Shaw, and paralegal specialist Casey Rybak are assisting with the matter.
Dr. Salazar’s advice to parents remains simple: “As a parent, you need to pay attention to what your kids are buying. Look at the labels. Many of these things they don’t need.
