Concerns Rise Over Children's Skincare Routines on Social Media

A recent investigation by The Guardian has revealed that children as young as two are appearing in TikTok videos showcasing skincare routines, raising significant concerns about the beauty industry's influence on young audiences. The analysis found that out of 7,600 skincare-related posts, approximately 400 featured children believed to be under 13, with at least 90 of these posts involving toddlers and babies. Many of these videos resemble advertising, often lacking transparency regarding the relationship between the child and the brands involved.

The GuardianThe Guardian

Dermatologists have expressed alarm over the trend, emphasizing that children do not require complex skincare routines. Amy Perkins, a dermatologist, stated, “Most children do not need skincare beyond gentle soap, simple moisturising if their skin is dry, and sunscreen when outdoors.” The trend towards multi-step routines, often promoted through social media, is seen as contributing to early anxiety about appearance. Emma Wedgeworth, another dermatologist, cautioned against young children participating in social media, noting that they lack the necessary judgment to assess skincare products.

The GuardianThe Guardian

Victoria Collins, a Member of Parliament and spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, described the findings as “deeply disturbing,” highlighting the exploitation risks posed by child influencer content. The Liberal Democrats are advocating for regulatory measures to protect young influencers, as current laws do not adequately safeguard children on social media platforms. Some skincare brands, such as Rini and Pipa, have emerged, specifically targeting children and tweens, which dermatologists have criticized as inappropriate.

The Guardian

In response to the scrutiny, brands like Glow Hub and Yes Day have asserted their commitment to age-appropriate skincare, stating they do not support the involvement of very young children in skincare content. Glow Hub emphasized its responsibility in the category, while Yes Day focuses on products tested for safety in tweens and early teens.

The Guardian

The investigation also highlighted discrepancies in advertising practices. For instance, Boots was found to have targeted users aged 13 to 17 with retinoids, which are not recommended for young skin. Boots acknowledged a “human error” in their targeting but maintained that strict age controls are in place. Chi Onwurah, chair of the Commons’ science, innovation and technology committee, called for a more robust online safety regime to protect children from potentially harmful beauty products.

The Guardian

The growing trend of children engaging with skincare routines on social media underscores the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to protect young audiences. A government spokesperson affirmed the commitment to ensuring a safe online environment for children, indicating that consultations are underway to address age limits and safety features on social media platforms. As the beauty industry continues to evolve, the implications for child influencers and their audiences remain a critical area of concern.

The Guardian

• “Amy Perkins, a dermatologist, said: “Most children do not need skincare beyond gentle soap, simple moisturising if their skin is dry, and sunscreen when outdoors.” — Amy Perkins, Dermatologist

The Guardian

• “what has become a dark and exploitative corner of the internet” — Victoria Collins, MP

The Guardian

• “We need a stronger and more responsive online safety regime to keep people, and particularly children, safe.” — Chi Onwurah, MP

The Guardian