Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
30-4-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
30-4-2025 4:00 PM
Description
In recent years, the skincare industry has experienced a surge in product availability, with an overwhelming number of options available to consumers, especially at major retail stores like Sephora. While many of these products claim to improve skin health and are often promoted by social media influencers, their widespread use raises concerns regarding both their benefits and potential risks, particularly when it comes to children and adolescents. Approximately 95% of youth aged 13–17 report using social media, with over a third indicating that they engage with these platforms "almost constantly." While most social media platforms in the U.S. set 13 as the minimum age for use, nearly 40% of children between the ages of 8–12 are still using social media.1 These platforms are increasingly populated by influencers who actively promote skincare products, often targeting younger audiences and encouraging them to adopt various beauty and skincare routines. We aim to describe the landscape of and review the top 100 best-selling skincare products at a popular beauty retailer (Sephora), critically assessing their benefits and potential risks. Particular focus will be given to the adverse effects these products can have on the skin, examining the dangers posed by allergic reactions, skin irritation, age appropriateness of products, and the long-term implications of early use of skincare products.
On March 3, 2025, the top 100 best-selling skincare products at Sephora were assessed for product name, brand, type, ingredients, marketing claims, and allergens. The majority of products were for facial hygiene and appearance (62%,) with the next highest-selling category being lip products that promote hydration and plumping (20%). The third largest category included under-eye products, which advertised diminishing dark circles and puffiness (7%). Upon further examination of these products, their claims were compared to the potential benefits they offer as well as any possible harm they may cause, particularly to adolescents. Most products advertised 5-10 marketing claims, most commonly “paraban-free,” “formaldehyde-free,” and “cruelty-free.” The Sephora website also highlighted 1-3 ingredients for each product, majority of which have very minimal risk of causing allergic contact dermatitis. However, additional non-highlighted ingredients demonstrated the use of allergens in many products, which were determined by the American Contact Dermatitis Society Core Allergen Series.2 Some of the ingredients known to cause allergic contact dermatitis that were found to be in many of these best-selling products includes phenoxyethanol, butylated hydroxytoluene, and benzyl alcohol.
By analyzing Sephora's best-selling skincare products, we provide dermatologists with insights into popular trends, often promoted by online influencers followed by children and adolescents. By highlighting both the marketing claims and potential allergens in these products, we aim to equip dermatologists with the information necessary to guide families in making informed decisions about skincare. This understanding is crucial for minimizing risks, such as allergic reactions and skin irritation, while promoting safe and age-appropriate skincare practices for younger users.
Embargo Period
11-29-2025
The influence of best-selling skincare products: analyzing benefits, risks, and the impact on children
Philadelphia, PA
In recent years, the skincare industry has experienced a surge in product availability, with an overwhelming number of options available to consumers, especially at major retail stores like Sephora. While many of these products claim to improve skin health and are often promoted by social media influencers, their widespread use raises concerns regarding both their benefits and potential risks, particularly when it comes to children and adolescents. Approximately 95% of youth aged 13–17 report using social media, with over a third indicating that they engage with these platforms "almost constantly." While most social media platforms in the U.S. set 13 as the minimum age for use, nearly 40% of children between the ages of 8–12 are still using social media.1 These platforms are increasingly populated by influencers who actively promote skincare products, often targeting younger audiences and encouraging them to adopt various beauty and skincare routines. We aim to describe the landscape of and review the top 100 best-selling skincare products at a popular beauty retailer (Sephora), critically assessing their benefits and potential risks. Particular focus will be given to the adverse effects these products can have on the skin, examining the dangers posed by allergic reactions, skin irritation, age appropriateness of products, and the long-term implications of early use of skincare products.
On March 3, 2025, the top 100 best-selling skincare products at Sephora were assessed for product name, brand, type, ingredients, marketing claims, and allergens. The majority of products were for facial hygiene and appearance (62%,) with the next highest-selling category being lip products that promote hydration and plumping (20%). The third largest category included under-eye products, which advertised diminishing dark circles and puffiness (7%). Upon further examination of these products, their claims were compared to the potential benefits they offer as well as any possible harm they may cause, particularly to adolescents. Most products advertised 5-10 marketing claims, most commonly “paraban-free,” “formaldehyde-free,” and “cruelty-free.” The Sephora website also highlighted 1-3 ingredients for each product, majority of which have very minimal risk of causing allergic contact dermatitis. However, additional non-highlighted ingredients demonstrated the use of allergens in many products, which were determined by the American Contact Dermatitis Society Core Allergen Series.2 Some of the ingredients known to cause allergic contact dermatitis that were found to be in many of these best-selling products includes phenoxyethanol, butylated hydroxytoluene, and benzyl alcohol.
By analyzing Sephora's best-selling skincare products, we provide dermatologists with insights into popular trends, often promoted by online influencers followed by children and adolescents. By highlighting both the marketing claims and potential allergens in these products, we aim to equip dermatologists with the information necessary to guide families in making informed decisions about skincare. This understanding is crucial for minimizing risks, such as allergic reactions and skin irritation, while promoting safe and age-appropriate skincare practices for younger users.