Sephora now required to have warnings on skincare products not suitable for children under 13 following investigation
Tong says the warnings and disclaimers will have to be clearly and conspicuously disclosed on all pages where these products are sold on its website. All employees will receive required training to identify what products are not appropriate for children.
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Sephora will now be required to have warnings and disclaimers on skincare products that are not suitable for children who are 13-years-old or younger following an investigation by Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.
In November 2024, Tong sent a letter to the beauty retailer regarding its marketing and promotion of anti-aging products to children. He wrote in the letter that many of the products contain ingredients, such as retinol and other acids, that could be harmful to children's skin.
He wrote that despite this, "social media is rife with influencer content targeting young users suggesting such products will help achieve youthful, glowing skin."
Tong says the warnings and disclaimers will have to be clearly and conspicuously disclosed on all pages where these products are sold on its website.
All employees will receive required training to identify what products are not appropriate for children.
Sephora will also maintain a "resource that is clearly and conspicuously disclosed on its website that informs consumers of products that may not be suitable for children under 13."
“Our kids—especially tween and teen girls—are inundated with influencer content pushing product after product loaded with messages about appearance, hygiene and selfcare. Not every product promoted online is safe or appropriate, and far too often, that information is not clear. Today’s settlement with Sephora includes strong, enforceable measures to ensure young customers are seeking accurate warnings and information about the safety and suitability of products for young skin," says Tong.
“We’re seeing more and more children using skincare products that were never designed for developing skin. The reality is that kids’ skin is more sensitive, and ingredients like retinol and strong acids can cause irritation and even long-term damage. This is why education matters. It is important to help families understand that when it comes to kids’ skincare, simpler is often safer. Efforts like this do that and give parents and young consumers the critical information they need to make healthy choices," says Dr. Andrew Carlson, division head, primary care, Connecticut Children’s.
