California Seeks Age Limit on Anti-Aging Skincare for Minors
By: Shahara Lum
California Assembly member Alex Lee has put forward Assembly Bill 728 (AB 728) in response to the rising trend of minors using anti-aging skincare products. This bill aims to ban the sale of specific cosmetic products to anyone under 18 years of age. The goal is to protect young consumers from potential health risks linked to these products and to tackle the societal pressures that are driving them to use such items at an early age.
The Rise of ‘Sephora Kids’
The phrase “Sephora Kids” refers to young children and teens who are starting to adopt complex skincare routines, often influenced by beauty trends and social media personalities. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with videos of these young users trying out products meant for older skin, such as anti-aging serums and treatments. This trend has sparked concern among dermatologists and health experts regarding whether these products are appropriate and safe for growing skin. [4]
Health Concerns for Young Skin
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about the use of anti-aging products by teenagers, as they can lead to negative reactions on their skin. Ingredients like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are often found in these products, are designed to tackle issues associated with aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. [3]
However, for younger skin, these strong ingredients can cause irritation, make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, and even lead to potential long-term damage. According to UCLA Health, retinol can result in rashes and raise the risk of sunburn and skin damage. The Connecticut Children’s Medical Center also emphasizes that skincare products made for adults can cause problems like irritation, redness, breakouts, and even lasting damage to young skin. [3]
Legislative Measures: Assembly Bill 728
On February 18, 2025, Assemblymember Alex Lee introduced a new bill, AB 728, which seeks to prohibit the sale of certain over-the-counter skincare and cosmetic products to anyone under 18. This bill focuses on banning specific active ingredients in these products:
• Vitamin A and its derivatives, such as retinoids and retinol
• Alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and citric acid
The bill requires retailers to check the age and identity of buyers before selling certain products, similar to how they restrict sales of items like spray paint and etching cream to minors. This move shows the state’s dedication to keeping young people safe from products that could be harmful because of their strong ingredients.
AB 728 has sparked different opinions from businesses, parents, and advocacy groups. Supporters believe that the bill is necessary for protecting young people from the risks of using skincare products meant for older adults. They highlight the need to educate kids about safe skincare practices and the dangers of using inappropriate products. [3]
On the flip side, some critics raise concerns about how enforceable the bill will be and whether it goes too far. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has expressed worries that age verification laws could invade privacy and lead to increased surveillance. While they agree that protecting minors is important, they caution that the proposed methods could have negative effects on individual freedoms. [2]
The Role of Social Media and Marketing
The strong impact of social media on young people’s behavior is a big reason why more minors are using anti-aging products. Beauty influencers and popular trends often showcase complex skincare routines, giving kids the idea that they need to start these practices early. This kind of marketing, whether done on purpose or not, creates a culture where young people feel pressured to use products meant for much older adults. Assemblymember Lee has spoken out against the beauty industry for this issue, accusing companies of taking advantage of young consumers for profit. He says that kids shouldn’t have to worry about aging, and promoting anti-aging products to them is unnecessary and harmful. [1]
Looking Ahead: Education and Awareness
Legislation like AB 728 is trying to limit access to certain products, but experts believe that education is just as important. Parents, teachers, and health professionals must have open conversations with young people about skincare. They should highlight the importance of using age-appropriate products and discuss the risks of using items meant for older skin.
Additionally, teaching kids about media literacy can empower them to critically evaluate the messages they see on social media and in advertisements. By creating an open and supportive environment, we can help young people make informed choices that contribute to their self-esteem and overall well-being. This means not just talking about products but also encouraging healthy habits, like skincare routines that are suitable for their age, and promoting positive body image. By prioritizing these discussions, we can better nurture the confidence and health of the next generation.
California’s proposed AB 728 is a significant initiative aimed at protecting minors from the potential risks associated with anti-aging skincare products. The state seeks to establish age limits on the sale of these products, recognizing the challenges young consumers face amid societal pressures to conform to idealized beauty standards. These pressures can often lead to early usage of products that may not be appropriate for their skin type and developmental stage.
As the bill progresses, lawmakers need to engage stakeholders, including dermatologists, educators, and youth advocates, to develop a nuanced approach that balances regulation with a focus on promoting overall well-being. By integrating guidelines, awareness, and supportive resources, California can help cultivate healthy self-care habits that encourage confidence and resilience among young people.
Works Cited:
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/style/california-anti-aging-skin-care-bill-age-minimum.html
FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skincare-anarchy/id1522162686
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/298oIu74qjd3pXaaBMDr19
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skincareanarchy/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skincareanarchhy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkincareAnarchy
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Skincare_Anarchy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skincareanarchy/
Pinterest: https://cz.pinterest.com/skincareanarchy/_created/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skincareanarchy
Medium Blog: https://skincareanarchy.medium.com
Don’t forget to subscribe to Skincare Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.
Shop through our ShopMy Shelf!
