Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced Monday that beauty retailer Sephora will adopt safeguards on marketing of anti-aging products to children that doctors say are unsuitable and potentially harmful to young skin.
The agreement resolves an investigation the attorney general’s office launched in November 2024.
In a press release at the time, the attorney general highlighted some specific anti-aging products sold by Sephora that contained ingredients that could harm younger skin. The anti-aging products were featured when searching Sephora’s website for “kids,” “skincare for kids” and “gifts for children,” according to Tong’s office. The investigation sought information on a range of products marketed to children on Sephora’s website.
Following what a Sephora spokesperson called a “cooperative review,” the retailer agreed to improve the warnings and disclaimers. Sephora will also require all brands to disclose details to the retailer about the suitability of their products for children under age 13. And customer service staff will be trained on the safety precautions of the products.
A Sephora spokesperson said in an email Monday that the safety and wellbeing of their customers is a top priority.
“Following a cooperative review, we have reached an agreement with the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office regarding our skincare advertising practices,” the spokesperson wrote. “This does not constitute an admission of liability or fault. We remain committed to providing industry leading product discovery, support, resources and education instore and online.”
Attorney General Tong said in a statement Monday that the settlement “includes strong, enforceable measures to ensure young customers are seeking accurate warnings and information about the safety and suitability of products for young skin.”
“Our kids — especially tween and teen girls — are inundated with influencer content pushing product after product loaded with messages about appearance, hygiene and self care,” Tong added. “Not every product promoted online is safe or appropriate, and far too often, that information is not clear.”
Tong has spoken out encouraging parents to be aware of the social media popularity surrounding skin care and to be careful of what products their children use.
Doctors say products with retinol and other anti-aging or “brightening” ingredients are not recommended for young skin.
“We’re seeing more and more children using skincare products that were never designed for developing skin,” Dr. Andrew Carlson, division head of primary care at Connecticut Children’s, said in the attorney general’s press release Monday. “The reality is that kids’ skin is more sensitive, and ingredients like retinol and strong acids can cause irritation and even long-term damage.”
