CA Bill Would Ban Kids From Buying Anti-Aging Products

CALIFORNIA — A state lawmaker has introduced legislation to ban the sale of anti-aging products to children under the age of 18 in response to the “Sephora kids” phenomenon.

Assemblymember Alex Lee, a Democrat representing District 24, put forth Assembly Bill 728 this week. The proposal would ban the sale of cosmetics to children if the products contain Vitamin A and its derivatives such as retinoids and retinol, or alpha hydroxy acid including glycolic acid, ascorbic acid or citric acid.

“The beauty industry is cashing in on the ‘Sephora kids’ phenomenon where children are buying and using adult anti-aging products,” Lee said in a news release.

Children’s interest in skincare has grown significantly in recent years, but anti-aging products contain chemicals that can be harmful to their sensitive skin, according to Lee, who noted UCLA Health has reported retinol, in particular, can cause rashes and increase the risk of sunburn and sun damage.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require testing of cosmetic products such as anti-aging creams on children, Lee said, noting young children have a faster cell turnover rate than adults, which gives them naturally soft and smooth skin.

“Kids don’t need anti-aging products,” Lee said in the news release. “The beauty industry knows that, and some companies have acknowledged the issue. But their statements — absent real and meaningful action — are performative and fall short of responsible behavior. We have to stop the beauty industry from exploiting our youth.”

Lee introduced a similar piece of legislation — Assembly Bill 2491 — last year that aimed to prohibit sales of anti-aging products to children under 13, but the proposal did not become law.

In response to that bill, the Personal Care Products Council, which represents 600 companies and about 90 percent of the U.S. beauty industry, released a statement.

“Dermatologists agree that anti-aging products are generally unnecessary for younger skin, and preteens should look for mild cleansers, hydrating moisturizers and protective sunscreens,” the statement said. “While we support the intent of Assembly Bill 2491, introduced by Assemblyman Alex Lee, we believe it is crucial that the bill balances protecting preteens, education and consumer choice.”