Dermatological Safety of Cosmetic Products Marketed to Children: Insights on the Sephora Kids Phenomenon.

The "Sephora Kids" trend, where children, especially tweens and teens, are increasingly using makeup and skincare products marketed by beauty retailers, presents notable dermatological challenges. Although these products can facilitate self-expression and teach self-care, their safety and efficacy for young users are largely unverified. This review examines 4 key ingredients commonly found in these products,retinol, exfoliating acids (AHA and BHA), and vitamin C, to assess their implications for pediatric skincare. Current literature and FDA-approved guidelines indicate that these ingredients have not been thoroughly tested in children. Consequently, using these products without medical supervision can pose risks such as skin redness, irritation, heightened sun sensitivity, dermatitis, and other potential adverse effects. This review underscores the importance of cautious use and highlights the need for further research to ensure the safety of these ingredients in young populations. By informing healthcare providers and consumers of these risks, we aim to promote safer skincare practices among children.