• by Tanya Gazdik , March 26, 2025

If one California legislator has his way, kids trying to purchase anti-aging products will be “carded.” 

“The bill follows the ongoing "Sephora kids" trend, in which young people, specifically preteens, purchase and use makeup and skincare products, often with ingredients designed for adults, which can damage the skin's barrier,” according to USA Today. “These kids, usually girls, have been thrust into the spotlight for showcasing their product "hauls" and routines on social media, namely TikTok.”

The bill was introduced in February by Assemblyman Alex Lee, who brought a similar bill to California's legislative floor in 2024. The first iteration would have prohibited children younger than 13 from purchasing anti-aging products. The new bill requires consumers who appear to be under 18 to produce an ID.

“Toral Vaidya, a dermatologist in New York City, said she regularly sees young patients seeking ‘products that are geared toward anti-aging or exfoliating,’ many of which contain ingredients listed in the bill,” according to The New York Times.

“These are products that can be great for a different age range,” Dr. Vaidya tells The New York Times. “But for younger kids, they actually can wreak havoc on their skin.” She said the products, when used on juvenile skin, could cause redness, itching and irritation.

California also prohibits the sale of tobacco products to those under 21, much like alcohol.

At least one beauty brand is doing what it can to check the Sephora Kids.

“Skincare brand Bliss is attempting to reconnect with its core audience of elder millennials and Gen X with a new campaign that combats the current skincare obsession by tweens,” according to Marketing Dive. “The effort includes a video starring comedian Iliza Shlesinger, who is seen taking ‘me’ time to shop for Bliss items before scaring off a group of tweens.”