Is Skincare Dangerous for Children? | A Dermatologist’s Guide to Safe Skincare for Kids
Children are showing growing interest in skincare due to online trends, but how safe is this trend, and what should parents know before allowing their kids to use these products?
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have popularized skincare routines among tweens, prompting children as young as 8 years old to purchase and apply trendy skin products.
While it might seem harmless, dermatologists across the globe, including the British Association of Dermatologists, are voicing growing concern about this youthful skincare craze.
As a dermatologist practicing in Miami, Florida, I regularly counsel concerned parents seeking guidance about skincare safety for their children and preteens.
In this article, I will share professional insights, answer commonly asked questions, and clarify whether skincare poses actual dangers to children’s health and development.
The truth is that when skincare is chosen carefully, it doesn’t have to be dangerous—but incorrect choices can lead to unwanted side effects, especially in children with sensitive skin.
The Risks of Skincare in Young Children
The risks of skincare for tweens aren’t dramatically different from those in adults, except when it comes to the absorption of chemicals and the skin’s reaction to allergens.
Marketing campaigns from skincare brands such as Drunk Elephant have directly or indirectly influenced children, making them eager to try products targeted at much older users.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with kids under 13 using skincare, but the danger arises when they use products meant for adults or those that don’t suit their skin type.
Improper product selection often leads to the neglect of essential items—like SPF—and may introduce potentially harmful ingredients into children’s developing bodies.
Which Skincare Products Should Children Avoid?
There are six major issues that raise concerns when we evaluate the safety of skincare routines in children and tweens.
These six concerns include allergic reactions, chemical absorption, skin inflammation, over-exfoliation, increased sun sensitivity, and exposure to toxic ingredients.
Adolescents, particularly girls, already have higher rates of allergic skin reactions due to preservatives, fragrances, and chemicals found in popular beauty and personal care products.
Now, with more boys also using skincare products, we can expect an increase in allergic contact dermatitis among this demographic as well.
The more often a child is exposed to potential allergens, the higher the chances they may eventually develop an allergic skin reaction, particularly if they are genetically predisposed.
Some dermatologists advocate for a “preemptive avoidance strategy” (P.E.A.S.), which involves steering clear of the top 10 common allergens in skincare products.
Interestingly, there is currently no solid evidence that healthy children and teens are more likely than adults to develop Type IV hypersensitivity, or allergic skin reactions.
However, kids with eczema—also known as atopic dermatitis—are statistically more likely to develop allergic responses to ingredients found in skincare.
Eczema compromises the skin’s natural barrier, making it easier for allergens to enter and cause an immune reaction, especially in younger children aged 1 to 5 years.
Because their skin barrier is weaker, children with eczema need to be especially cautious with topical products that may increase the risk of contact allergies.
If your child is over 5 years old and doesn’t have a history of eczema, they are generally no more vulnerable to allergic reactions than adults.
The PEAS method should be reserved for younger children with eczema, children with dry or hypersensitive skin, or those who had eczema during infancy.
Common Skincare Allergens for Kids
Here’s a list of allergens most commonly linked with negative skin reactions in children using skincare or beauty tools like jade rollers or gua sha stones:
Nickel, found in many beauty tools, is one of the top allergens affecting children and adults alike when used on facial skin.
Fragrances are another significant culprit, often hidden under the label “parfum” or “natural scent,” and can cause severe irritation in sensitive users.
Preservatives used to extend shelf life—such as parabens and formaldehyde releasers—can trigger allergic reactions in some children.
Cocamidopropyl betaine, commonly found in foaming cleansers and shampoos, is a known skin irritant in sensitive individuals.
Propylene glycol and essential oils, especially when concentrated, are known to cause skin sensitivity or allergic dermatitis in younger skin.
Even chemical sunscreens can trigger irritation or allergy, making mineral-based options a safer choice for children.
It’s important to remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean safer—some organic or plant-based products contain strong allergens like chamomile.
For children with eczema or allergies, the best skincare products are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
Bright Girl, a dermatologist-developed brand, is one example of a line that avoids these ingredients and is specifically made for the needs of tweens and teens.
Chemical Absorption in Children
Children’s bodies differ from adults in ways that impact how skincare ingredients are absorbed, especially when applied over large areas of skin.
Their higher surface-area-to-body-weight ratio means that their skin can absorb more chemicals relative to their body size than adults would.
This is especially true for babies and toddlers, which is why caution should be exercised when applying any products to large areas of a child’s body.
Chemical sunscreens are particularly concerning in this regard, as their ingredients can be absorbed more deeply by younger, thinner skin.
For this reason, physical (mineral) sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally safer and sit on top of the skin instead of being absorbed.
Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, often promoted for hydration, can actually enhance skin penetration and potentially increase chemical absorption.
Using skincare products on the face leads to less systemic absorption than applying the same product to a larger body area like the arms or legs.
When choosing body care products for kids, always read the ingredient list carefully and avoid formulas with known irritants or toxins.
Over-Exfoliation and Sun Sensitivity
Exfoliating ingredients, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, can remove the outermost skin layers, which reduces the skin’s natural UV protection.
Some studies suggest that glycolic acid use can reduce natural SPF by up to 3 points, increasing the risk of sunburn and UV-related damage.
Because of this, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel recommends daily SPF use for anyone who uses chemical exfoliants, regardless of age.
My advice is simple: if your child exfoliates, they must also wear sunscreen every day without fail to counteract increased sun sensitivity.
Children aren’t more sensitive to exfoliation itself than adults, but they are far less likely to consistently apply sunscreen.
If your child uses exfoliants like AHAs or even retinol, they need to build a reliable habit of applying daily SPF without skipping.
Skin Sensitivity in Children
Kids are more likely to use the wrong products for their skin, especially when they choose based on popularity rather than medical guidance.
Just like adults, children should use products that match their specific skin type and needs—no more, no less.
Incorrect product usage increases the risk of developing sensitive skin or triggering inflammation, but this can happen at any age.
To help children find the best regimen, we developed a dermatologist-validated skin type quiz available to anyone aged 13 and up.
Essentials of a Safe Skincare Routine for Kids
The safest skincare routines for children focus on three key areas: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
A gentle, non-irritating cleanser helps remove dirt and oil, reducing the chances of acne or infections without over-drying sensitive skin.
Avoid harsh soaps and opt for cream-based or foaming cleansers that are tailored to your child’s skin type—most kids under 11 have naturally drier skin.
Moisturizers play a key role in maintaining the skin barrier and preventing common issues like chapped lips or flaking around the mouth and nose.
Always choose a fragrance-free moisturizer with clean ingredients to avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals and irritants.
For example, during dry winter vacations, my nephew would experience painful chapped lips—a gentle lip balm or moisturizer made all the difference.
Why Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable
The single most important skincare product for any child is a daily sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB radiation.
I recommend mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to avoid chemical absorption and potential allergic reactions.
Wearing sunscreen every day starting in childhood significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer and early signs of aging later in life.
Trusted Skincare Brands for Children
When possible, visit a board-certified dermatologist to determine the right products for your child’s unique skin.
If that’s not an option, look for brands developed by dermatologists that are specifically formulated for tweens and teens.
Bright Girl is one such line that’s free of common irritants and designed with the specific needs of developing skin in mind.
Final Thoughts: Safe Skincare Starts With Smart Choices
When used appropriately, skincare can be a healthy and helpful part of a child’s daily hygiene routine.
The right products help prevent sunburns, breakouts, and skin irritation while promoting long-term skin health and confidence.
Focus on basics like a gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and a reliable daily sunscreen, and your child will have a safe, simple regimen.
Parents should stay involved in product selection, educate their children on safe practices, and always read labels carefully.
For those interested in learning more about their own skin or their child’s skin type, take the free Baumann Skin Type Quiz available online.
