Representation of a woman putting cream on her arm.
A "worrying trend" has emerged this holiday season as more and more children ask their parents to buy them expensive skincare products for Christmas, according to skincare experts.
Exposure to viral skincare content on social media platforms like TikTok have shaped a growing number of kids and pre-teens' Christmas wish lists this year.
According to RSVP Live, some parents noticed that their children want expensive skincare containing active ingredients, which experts say are not suitable for young skin.
Susan Fox, founder of Eden Beauty, highlighted the impact of social media on children's consumer habits.
"With Christmas approaching rapidly and many parents being presented with their kids wish list, a worrying trend is emerging. Children as young as 8 are asking for skincare, and usually skincare they have seen because it is viral on TikTok," she told RSVP Live.
Fox emphasized that some products from brands like Drunk Elephant, despite their popularity among young users, contain active ingredients at high percentages, making them unsuitable for delicate tween skin.
Earlier this year, Kim Kardashian's 10-year-old daughter, North West, and Kourtney Kardashian's 11-year-old daughter, Penelope Disick, posted videos of their skincare routines, with the latter using several products from Drunk Elephant.
"While these videos are very cute, the downside is huge. Many of these brands contain very active ingredients at high percentages. These ingredients are totally unsuitable for young skin," Fox claimed.
"Parents may pick up a product called Baby Facial and think it is suitable for their child, when in fact it contains a cocktail of acids that can strip young skin and cause issues such as sensitivity and irritation," Fox told RSVP Live.
The issue becomes more pronounced when children request anti-aging products, such as the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, a viral TikTok favorite.
Fox said tweens need to stick to gentle cleansing products, moisturizers, and SPF without active ingredients.
Kerry Hanaphy, an Ireland-based aesthetician, also shared her thoughts on the trend, stressing the importance of parents understanding the ingredients of the products they buy for their children.
She cautioned against allowing children to use anti-aging products, emphasizing the potential harm caused by active ingredients like retinoids and acids.
Hanaphy urged parents to seek advice from dermatologists rather than relying on social media trends, saying, “It's crucial for parents to be aware of age-appropriate skincare, focusing on gentle routines that include cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection -- less is more especially when it comes to younger skin.”
She emphasized the need for age-appropriate skincare, advocating for simple routines focused on cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.