Attorney General William Tong has issued a warning to parents about anti-aging skincare products being marketed to children and teenagers on social media. These products often contain active ingredients such as retinol and acids, which may not be suitable for young skin and could potentially cause harm.
Tong sent a letter to beauty retailer Sephora regarding their marketing of these products to minors. The letter highlights concerns over the promotion of brands like Drunk Elephant and Glow Recipe when searching for terms related to children's skincare on Sephora's website. For instance, Drunk Elephant's "Itty Bitty Midi Committee" set includes a serum with exfoliating acids aimed at combating signs of aging, which appears in searches for "kids." Despite Drunk Elephant's own caution against use by those under 12, this warning is absent from Sephora's site.
Similarly, Glow Recipe’s “Fruit Babies Bestseller Minis Kit” appears as a top result when searching for "gifts for children," containing acids that might be harmful to young skin. Attorney General Tong emphasized the need for parental vigilance during the holiday shopping season regarding these potentially harmful products marketed towards youth.
“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,” said Attorney General Tong.
The Connecticut Children’s Medical Center advises against using products with retinol or other strong active ingredients on young skin due to risks like irritation and long-term damage. Andrew Carlson, MD, recommends that preteens and teens stick to simple skincare routines involving gentle cleansers, sunscreen, and lightweight moisturizers.
This action is part of ongoing efforts by Attorney General Tong addressing youth harm from social media. He has previously sued Meta over allegations related to Instagram's impact on youth addiction and mental health issues and is investigating TikTok over similar concerns.
Special Counsel Lauren Bidra, Assistant Attorney General Tess Shaw, and paralegal specialist Casey Rybak are assisting in this matter.