Janice R. Andrews
A new trend on TikTok has surfaced, drawing attention to a phenomena called the “Sephora Kids” epidemic—a shocking discovery. High-end cosmetics retailer Sephora, which usually serves an older clientele, is allegedly seeing an increase in the number of young girls, between the ages of 9 and 14, visiting its stores with baskets full of pricey items that are frequently bought by their parents.
Users have highlighted the worrying practice through viral videos on TikTok, where children are seen paying hundreds of dollars for beauty products, including well-known brands like Drunk Elephant. For young girls who want to follow the latest beauty trends on social media, this skincare line—which is well-known for its adorable packaging and anti-aging components like retinol—has become the holy grail.
Dermatologists are now worried about the possible harm that products like chemical exfoliants and retinol may do to youthful skin. According to these experts, using these chemicals improperly might have negative consequences, such as harming the skin’s protective layer, and is not advised for anybody under the age of 25.
There have been reports of kids walking into Sephora with chemical burns on their faces, which begs the question of whether it’s safe for kids to use adult-only skincare products. Beyond skincare, the problem illuminates societal issues including entitlement, affluence, and an unhealthful focus on anti-aging and beauty standards as a kind of “wellness.”
Experts attribute this trend to a number of causes, such as the dearth of child-friendly settings, the impact of social media’s promotion of unattainable beauty standards, and the materialistic inclinations of some wealthy millennial parents.
There is growing momentum in the conversation surrounding the “Sephora Kids” epidemic to reevaluate parenting styles, society values, and the impact of social media on developing minds. The current state of affairs emphasises the necessity of working together to develop a better society for kids that values wellbeing and self-worth over superficial beauty standards.
