While more and more children adopt beauty routines inspired by social networks, experts alert on the invisible dangers of these cosmetics unsuitable for their fragile skin.
We nicknames them Sephora KidsTHE Clean Girl Kids or even Mini Beauty Influencers. At 8, 9 or 10 years old, even less, these little girls or young boys invade the shelves of cosmetics stores, share their routines ” skincare ” on TiktokTiktok And apply serum, gloss or anti-imperfections like adults. A viral trend, very “aesthetic” on networks, but which worries the pediatricianspediatricians like dermatologists.
Under the glitter, disturbing substances for children
VarnishVarnish nail, sunbathing powders, perfumes, anti-aging serums or black henna tattoos sometimes contain formaldehydeformaldehyde, toluenetoluenephthalates, or even PPD (paraphenylènediamine). Toluene, neurotoxic, and dibutyle phthalate, an endocrine disturber, more easily cross the thin skin of children, potentially disturbing growth or fertility. Even low exposures in formaldehyde have been associated with more respiratory infections in young children.
Frequent, even dramatic allergies for the youngest
According to an American study of 2019, in the United States, a child was hospitalized every two hours due to an accidental exposure to a product from cosmetology: redness, itching, serious allergic reactions … Propylene Glycol, the parabensparabensTriclosan, bisphenols, or even cyclosiloxans (D4, D5) are among the ingredients estimated irritating, allergensallergens or hormonal disruptors.
« Children watch their parents use them and can try to imitate their behavior. As these products are often stored in easy -to -access places and are generally not packaged in children’s test containers, children can easily access the bottles and open them “Said Rebecca McAdamsco-author of the study.
They are between 7 and 13 years old and reproduce the routines seen on Tiktok to the letter, at the risk of damaging immature and fragile skin, even putting their health in danger. © Amistory.
Another scientific study sounds the alert on children’s “skincare” routines
A study published on June 9, 2025 in The Journal of Pediatrics also put in lightlight The risks linked to the care routines adopted by young girls under the influence of social networks. To conduct their investigation, two scientists have created a false Tiktok account by pretending to be a 13 -year -old teenager. By analyzing the videos proposed by the algorithm, they compiled 100 videos skincare intended for young people.
Result: girls aged 7 to 18 use on average six different products on their faces, for a monthly budget estimated at 170 dollars. Among the most popular products, eleven irritating substances have been identified, often acidsacids exfoliating or poorly dosed drying agents.
The Dre Molly Halesdermatologist and main author of the study, alert on: ” The risk of increased irritation linked to the simultaneous use of several powerful assets, sometimes present in several products at the same time. This promotes skin reactions such as dermatitisdermatitis allergic, sometimes severe. »
In conclusion, children’s skin does not need complicated routines. Soft products, not irritating and thought specifically for them, already exist, what to do like adults, without risks.
