The dangers of “Sephora Kids”

The term “Sephora Kids” has been circulating around social media recently, but what does it mean?  

(freepik, n.d.) 

The term was created from the recent epidemic of children going into cosmetic stores like Sephora and buying adult skincare that is not safe or suited for their skin. There is also plenty of evidence pointing towards these tweens going into stores and destroying the displays. Many people have posted pictures and videos of cosmetic displays being completely ruined and the testers being thrown around the store.  

 There have been an array of hashtags trending on TikTok, such as “#sephorakidsinthewild” and “#drunkelephantkids," referring to the skin care company “drunk elephant” known for its pricey products that include anti-ageing ingredients such as retinol and salicylic acid.  

The internet is not just concerned about stores being ruined for other customers but also for the overall health and safety of these young children. While it may seem harmless at first, there is potential for the products to be dangerous to such young skin.  

Dr. Kamran Qureshi, an aesthetician at an anti-ageing lifestyle clinic, discussed the importance of children only using very gentle products on their skin, suggesting that if children are eager to try skincare, they could start by using moisturiser, “which should have no additives or actives. Other things should be used only if there is a skin condition.” 

When asked about the term “Sephora Kids,” she explained how this current trend is dangerous, stating, “This is a concern as not all skin care products are made for younger skin, and the damage may be visible down the line. There is also the obvious factor of children worrying too much about their skin and appearance. Recently, social media has put a lot of pressure on beauty standards and skincare. This toxic influence may be why these children are so eager to start a skincare routine so early on instead of enjoying their youth. 

While some people view this as a significant issue, others see the trend as more of a harmless affair. Jason Chouake, a board-certified dermatologist and educator, talks about his thoughts on the current trend.  

Jason started by emphasising the normality for pre-teens and teenagers to want to experiment with adult-oriented products. Like Dr. Kamran, he highlighted the potential concerns: “The biggest potential danger of a “child” (really, we are talking about pre-teens and teens) using adult skincare is that some products, especially retinols or alpha or beta hydroxy acids, may be too harsh for their skin.”  

While he expressed some minor worry, he overall believes it is not too much of an issue, stating, “It just seems so innocent to me, honestly. If you are a parent and are looking for guidance for your pre-teen when it comes to skincare or acne, visiting a board-certified dermatologist for guidance as to what skincare products are appropriate for your specific skin is never a bad idea."  

Overall, there are many mixed reviews on the “Sephora Kids” trends, with some people commenting on the insane price tags and the unnecessary need for children to be using such products, while others view the situation as children harmlessly messing around.