HARTFORD — Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is urging parents to exercise caution regarding anti-aging skincare products marketed to children and teenagers via social media. These products, often featuring ingredients such as retinol and various acids, may be unsuitable and even harmful to young, sensitive skin. Despite this, many social media influencers are promoting these items to younger audiences, suggesting they will help achieve youthful, glowing skin.
In response, Attorney General Tong has sent a letter to beauty retailer Sephora, raising concerns about the company’s marketing and promotion of anti-aging products to children. The letter specifically addresses products sold by brands such as Drunk Elephant and Glow Recipe, which appear in searches for terms like “kids” and “skincare for kids” on Sephora’s website.
“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,” said Attorney General Tong. “Especially as we hit the holiday shopping season, parents should exercise added caution regarding anti-aging skincare products marketed to youth that may be uniquely harmful to young skin. We’ve sent a letter to Sephora seeking comprehensive information on these anti-aging products, how they appear in search terms for young shoppers, and the kinds of product warnings and staff training they provide.”
Among the problematic items is the “Drunk Elephant Itty Bitty Midi Committee” set, which includes a Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum. The serum, priced at $90 for one ounce, contains exfoliating acids that the company claims will address signs of aging but could be damaging to children’s skin. The product is marketed as being suitable for treating “fine lines and wrinkles” and “loss of firmness and elasticity.”
Another product of concern is Glow Recipe’s “Fruit Babies Bestseller Minis Kit,” which appears first in searches for “gifts for children” on Sephora’s website. The kit includes products designed to “tone and rejuvenate pores” and “brighten dark circles.” Several of the products in the kit contain potentially harmful acids, including PHA, BHA, AHA, and salicylic acid.
The Attorney General’s letter to Sephora requests detailed information about the products identified in searches for terms such as “tweens,” “gifts for children,” and “skincare for kids.” It also asks for information on product warnings and any staff training Sephora provides regarding the sale of skincare products to children.
According to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, products containing retinol and other anti-aging or brightening ingredients are not recommended for young, sensitive skin. These products can lead to irritation, breakouts, burns, and even long-term damage.
“Introducing skincare products with strong active ingredients to young, sensitive skin can lead to irritation, breakouts, and potential long-term issues if used improperly,” says Dr. Andrew Carlson, Division Head of Connecticut Children’s Primary Care. “Preteens and teens should focus on a simple skincare routine consisting of a gentle cleanser, daily sunscreen, and a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. While some active ingredients, like salicylic acid, can benefit teens with acne, it’s best to avoid products with retinol, high-strength AHAs, or those marketed for ‘anti-aging’ or ‘brightening’ without professional guidance, as these are often formulated for adult skin.”
Attorney General Tong’s latest action is part of an ongoing effort to protect youth from harmful content and products on social media. Tong has previously sued Meta over allegations that the company knowingly deployed harmful features on Instagram and other platforms to intentionally addict children and teens. He is also conducting an investigation into TikTok for similar concerns related to youth mental health.
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