{"id":53464,"date":"2025-06-27T15:53:56","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T12:53:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/?p=53464"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:26:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T12:26:13","slug":"sephora-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/sephora-kids","title":{"rendered":"Sephora Kids: Why Children Are Obsessed with Makeup\u2014And What Parents Can Do About It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>What\u2019s behind this wave of kids, referred to as Sephora Kids, getting into adult beauty routines? Why do tweens and even elementary schoolers know the names of active ingredients better than most adults? And most importantly\u2014should parents be worried? Let\u2019s break it down.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Imagine walking into your favorite beauty store to restock on your favorite skincare products. But what you see is nothing short of a disaster\u2014testers scattered all over the floor, shelves in disarray, staff looking overwhelmed, and a long line at the checkout full of 9 to 13-year-old girls clutching overflowing shopping baskets filled with serums, under-eye patches, and retinol creams. Sounds like a nightmare or straight out of a movie, right? Not at all. In the US, this has become a reality for most beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta Beauty.<\/p>\n<p>The phenomenon that media and social networks have dubbed \u201cSephora Kids\u201d has gone global in just a few months. The hashtag #sephorakids alone has gained over 600 million views on TikTok. And it all started with a viral video by student Chloe Grace on the hunt for the viral Drunk Elephant bronzer drops, who casually asked, \u201cHas anyone else noticed all the kids buying up half of Sephora?\u201d Soon after, journalists, experts, dermatologists, and, of course, concerned parents joined the conversation\u2014everyone noticed.<\/p>\n<h2>Contents:<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"contents\">\n<li><a href=\"#1\">Who Are the \u201cSephora Kids\u201d?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#2\">Why Sephora?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#3\">So What\u2019s the Problem?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#4\">Why Did the Trend Blow Up Now?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#5\">Even Neanderthals Were \u201cSephora Kids\u201d<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#6\">A Vicious Cycle<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#7\">\u201cSephora Kids\u201d\u2014a Parenting Fail?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#8\">What Parents Can Do (Hint: It\u2019s Not Just Saying \u201cNo\u201d)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#9\">A Parent\u2019s Guide: Safe Skincare for Beginners<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#10\">What Other Trends Are Shaping Gen Alpha<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#11\">FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"1\">Who Are the \u201cSephora Kids\u201d?<\/h2>\n<p>They\u2019re mostly <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/gen-alpha\">Gen Alpha<\/a> girls (aged 7\u201314) who have flooded American beauty stores. And they\u2019re not just coming in for lip gloss or sparkly eyeshadow. They bring lists for full-on anti-aging skincare routines: retinol creams, acids, peptides, under-eye patches, and so on, often leaving chaos in their wake, with parents footing the bill.<\/p>\n<p>The term \u201cSephora Kids\u201d was born on social media, with TikTok as ground zero for the trend. Under hashtags like <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/sephorakids?lang=en\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">#sephorakids<\/a> and <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/sephorahaul?lang=en\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">#sephorahaul<\/a>, Gen Alpha shows off their purchases, test products, Skincare Smoothie recipes (where they mix different skincare products together before applying them), review brands, and compete to see whose skincare routine is more elaborate.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"2\">Why Sephora?<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_53474\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-53474\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-53474\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Sephora.jpg\" alt=\"sephora kids\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Sephora.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Sephora-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Sephora-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Sephora-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Sephora-808x606.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Sephora-392x294.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-53474\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Robert Way\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Sephora is the largest retailer in the beauty and skincare industry, with easy access to both luxury and budget-friendly cosmetic brands. The brand\u2019s welcoming policy\u2014where kids can freely enter, test products, and film content for social media\u2014has made Sephora the main \u201cincubator\u201d for a new generation of skincare fans. Here, kids learn to be beauty influencers\u2014and simultaneously become paying customers. But not only do Sephora Kids buy makeup and skincare hauls in store, but they also place online orders using their parents\u2019 credit cards, oftentimes racking up a large bill.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"3\">So What\u2019s the Problem?<\/h2>\n<p>On one hand, being into skincare might seem harmless\u2014or even beneficial. What\u2019s so bad about kids learning to care for their skin? After all, we were taught to wash our faces, brush our teeth twice a day, shower regularly, and use lip balm.<\/p>\n<p>But experts insist the \u201cSephora Kids\u201d trend comes with very real risks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>First, there are the skin issues<\/strong> themselves. Children\u2019s skin is thinner and more sensitive than that of adults. Anti-aging skincare with ingredients like retinol, acids, and peptides was designed for mature skin concerns, and its effects on children can be unpredictable.<\/p>\n<p>Dermatologists explain that these products can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and damage the natural skin barrier. \u201cWhen kids use anti-aging skincare, it can actually accelerate aging and lead to permanent scarring,\u201d <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/girls-beauty-anti-ageing-tiktok-youtube-influencers-b2604933.html\"\">says<\/a> Dr. Brooke Jeffy, member of the American Academy of Dermatology.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Second, the psychological toll. <\/strong><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/girls-beauty-anti-ageing-tiktok-youtube-influencers-b2604933.html\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">According to psychologists<\/a>, getting into elaborate skincare routines at too young an age shifts the focus heavily to appearance, which can increase anxiety, dissatisfaction with one\u2019s body, and even contribute to eating disorders and body dysmorphia. This is especially concerning for kids and teens still developing their identities and learning to accept their bodies.<\/p>\n<p>No wonder California is already <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/gmd.live\/sephora-kids#:~:text=%D0%B2%20%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B8%20%D1%83%D0%B6%D0%B5-,%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%81%D1%83%D0%B6%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%81%D1%8F,-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%2C%20%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%B9%20%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B5%D1%82\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">discussing<\/a> a bill that would limit the sale of anti-aging products to minors\u2014a direct response to growing concerns from both parents and professionals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>There\u2019s also a deeper issue: values.<\/strong> When a 10-year-old thinks she needs collagen or retinol cream, it shows how distorted her perception of body and aging has become under the influence of beauty culture. More and more often, kids see skincare not as self-care, but as a way to meet unrealistic beauty standards.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"4\">Why Did the Trend Blow Up Now?<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_53473\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-53473\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-53473\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/A-brunette-preteen-girl-in-a-white-bathrobe-surrounded-by-cosmetics-and-makeup-while-laying-on-a-cluttered-bed.jpg\" alt=\"sephora kid\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/A-brunette-preteen-girl-in-a-white-bathrobe-surrounded-by-cosmetics-and-makeup-while-laying-on-a-cluttered-bed.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/A-brunette-preteen-girl-in-a-white-bathrobe-surrounded-by-cosmetics-and-makeup-while-laying-on-a-cluttered-bed-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/A-brunette-preteen-girl-in-a-white-bathrobe-surrounded-by-cosmetics-and-makeup-while-laying-on-a-cluttered-bed-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/A-brunette-preteen-girl-in-a-white-bathrobe-surrounded-by-cosmetics-and-makeup-while-laying-on-a-cluttered-bed-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/A-brunette-preteen-girl-in-a-white-bathrobe-surrounded-by-cosmetics-and-makeup-while-laying-on-a-cluttered-bed-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/A-brunette-preteen-girl-in-a-white-bathrobe-surrounded-by-cosmetics-and-makeup-while-laying-on-a-cluttered-bed-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/A-brunette-preteen-girl-in-a-white-bathrobe-surrounded-by-cosmetics-and-makeup-while-laying-on-a-cluttered-bed-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-53473\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">LightField Studios\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n<p>So why is this trend exploding now? The main culprit\u2014and parents\u2019 constant headache\u2014is social media. But it\u2019s not just that:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li><strong>TikTok is a catalyst.<\/strong> Social media doesn\u2019t just show kids what\u2019s trending\u2014it builds communities where staying in the loop is everything.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Packaging and aesthetics.<\/strong> Brands have long leaned into cute packaging and dreamy visuals that appeal to younger audiences. Products are desirable not only for their effects but for how they look.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accessibility.<\/strong> There are no clear legal restrictions on kids buying \u201cadult\u201d skincare. Technically, any teen can walk into a store and buy a chemical peel or anti-aging cream. This is left to the discretion of parents\u2014and the kids themselves.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The self-care culture.<\/strong> Today, self-care is marketed as a universal value\u2014having a skincare routine is positioned as essential for good mental health. Kids absorb these messages just as easily as adults and are influenced to buy skincare products they don\u2019t necessarily need.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The result? A new coming-of-age ritual wrapped in pretty jars, reinforced by cultural values, social media, and smart marketing. Who can resist?<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"5\">Even Neanderthals Were \u201cSephora Kids\u201d<\/h2>\n<p>It might seem like this obsession with skincare is some modern glitch. But\u2014surprisingly\u2014anthropologists disagree. Researchers have found <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2571-550X\/7\/4\/49\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">evidence<\/a> that the urge to decorate and beautify is nothing new in children. Archaeologists discovered a collection of seashells and obsidian fragments in a southern Italian cave, likely gathered by children. The evidence suggests they weren\u2019t just collecting \u201cpretty trinkets\u201d\u2014they probably wore them, imitating the adults.<\/p>\n<p>Today, that behavior shows up differently: kids no longer gather shells, but they copy influencers\u2019 skincare rituals. The psychological mechanism is the same\u2014children learn social norms and codes by imitating others. If we once learned how to braid hair from our grandmothers, today\u2019s kids follow 10-step Korean skincare routines from TikTok.<\/p>\n<p>Wanting to be like adults is a normal\u2014and important\u2014part of development. Experts <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologs.com\/why-children-copy-adults-the-psychology-of-imitation\/\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">note<\/a> that imitation is a natural stage in the development of identity. But in today\u2019s world, the line between childhood and adulthood is blurring. Skincare jars are becoming a normal part of kids\u2019 worlds\u2014not something reserved for grown-ups. And that\u2019s not okay.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"6\">A Vicious Cycle<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_53469\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-53469\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-53469\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/goods-on-display-at-Tony-Moly-shop-in-Seoul.-Tony-Moly-is-a-South-Korean-cosmetics-brand.jpg\" alt=\"sephora for kids\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/goods-on-display-at-Tony-Moly-shop-in-Seoul.-Tony-Moly-is-a-South-Korean-cosmetics-brand.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/goods-on-display-at-Tony-Moly-shop-in-Seoul.-Tony-Moly-is-a-South-Korean-cosmetics-brand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/goods-on-display-at-Tony-Moly-shop-in-Seoul.-Tony-Moly-is-a-South-Korean-cosmetics-brand-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/goods-on-display-at-Tony-Moly-shop-in-Seoul.-Tony-Moly-is-a-South-Korean-cosmetics-brand-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/goods-on-display-at-Tony-Moly-shop-in-Seoul.-Tony-Moly-is-a-South-Korean-cosmetics-brand-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/goods-on-display-at-Tony-Moly-shop-in-Seoul.-Tony-Moly-is-a-South-Korean-cosmetics-brand-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/goods-on-display-at-Tony-Moly-shop-in-Seoul.-Tony-Moly-is-a-South-Korean-cosmetics-brand-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-53469\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sorbis\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The media is also pointing to the influence of commercial culture. In recent years, the beauty and skincare industry has clearly shifted focus toward younger audiences. Because of this marketing strategy, Gen Alpha is exposed to beauty culture much earlier than necessary.<\/p>\n<p>Why? Simple\u2014loyalty and money. Experts <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marketingweek.com\/brand-loyalty-starts-from-a-very-early-age\/\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">say<\/a> brands see kids as an investment. The earlier a child becomes a customer, the longer they\u2019ll stay loyal\u2014and the more profit they\u2019ll generate over time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">This strategy is already paying off. <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/alisonescalante\/2025\/02\/27\/little-girls-are-harming-their-skin-with-anti-aging-products\/\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">According to <em>Forbes<\/em><\/a>, in 2023, American families with kids aged 6\u201312 bought 27.2% more skincare products than the year before. Families with teens aged 13\u201317 bought 28.6% more.<\/p>\n<p>And where there\u2019s demand, there will be supply. It all becomes a closed loop: social media inspires kids to get into skincare, brands capitalize on the trend with more products to boost profits, and kids become increasingly drawn into the game of \u201cplaying grown-up.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"7\">\u201cSephora Kids\u201d\u2014a Parenting Fail?<\/h2>\n<p>Commenters under viral videos of very young girls reviewing Sephora hauls or applying adult makeup are quick to blame the parents: \u201cWhat kind of mother lets this happen?\u201d They claim it\u2019s all the parents\u2019 fault.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, parents play a huge role in shaping their child\u2019s worldview. But the 21st century changed everything\u2014children now have access to entirely new sources of information. And it\u2019s simply impossible to monitor everything a child consumes or comes into contact with online.<\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">It\u2019s essential to recognize that a child&#8217;s interest in skincare products or cosmetics isn\u2019t a sign of poor parenting. It\u2019s a natural part of growing up, especially during the teen years. However, it\u2019s helpful to take a closer look at the context in which kids are growing up, which tends to be much quicker nowadays, thanks to social media. Parents should educate themselves about the latest trends and interests in the youth culture rather than ban these interests completely.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cParents often underestimate how strongly social media influences children,\u201d <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.newshub.co.nz\/home\/lifestyle\/2024\/02\/why-the-sephora-kids-trend-could-cause-more-harm-than-good.html\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">says<\/a> parenting expert and psychologist Holly Brooker. She recommends not banning makeup outright, but instead talking with your child about what they actually need and what\u2019s just a passing trend.<\/p>\n<p>Sociologist and University of British Columbia professor Laura Hurd <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/science\/article\/sephora-kids-mental-health-aging\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">emphasizes<\/a> that children absorb a lot from adults, including their fears, such as the fear of aging. \u201cWe\u2019re selling the idea that aging is the enemy we must fight. Kids are just picking up on that,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, it\u2019s not that parents are \u201ccareless\u201d or have \u201clost control.\u201d We\u2019re all living in a world where eternal youth and flawless beauty have become the standard. That\u2019s something we need to understand, accept, and openly discuss with the younger generation.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"8\">What Parents Can Do (Hint: It\u2019s Not Just Saying \u201cNo\u201d)<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_53470\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-53470\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-53470\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Happy-young-girl-puts-lipstick-on-her-lips-looking-in-the-mirror-at-home.-Little-trendy.-little-girl-applying-makeup.jpg\" alt=\"what is a sephora kid\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Happy-young-girl-puts-lipstick-on-her-lips-looking-in-the-mirror-at-home.-Little-trendy.-little-girl-applying-makeup.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Happy-young-girl-puts-lipstick-on-her-lips-looking-in-the-mirror-at-home.-Little-trendy.-little-girl-applying-makeup-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Happy-young-girl-puts-lipstick-on-her-lips-looking-in-the-mirror-at-home.-Little-trendy.-little-girl-applying-makeup-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Happy-young-girl-puts-lipstick-on-her-lips-looking-in-the-mirror-at-home.-Little-trendy.-little-girl-applying-makeup-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Happy-young-girl-puts-lipstick-on-her-lips-looking-in-the-mirror-at-home.-Little-trendy.-little-girl-applying-makeup-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Happy-young-girl-puts-lipstick-on-her-lips-looking-in-the-mirror-at-home.-Little-trendy.-little-girl-applying-makeup-808x538.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Happy-young-girl-puts-lipstick-on-her-lips-looking-in-the-mirror-at-home.-Little-trendy.-little-girl-applying-makeup-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-53470\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Irina Mikhailichenko\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The most natural reaction when you hear your 10-year-old talking about chemical peels, asking for personalized skincare consultations from professionals, or worse, reaching for your skincare products is to yell, \u201cAre you serious? Put that down!\u201d But, as with any ban, the usual effect is the opposite\u2014curiosity only grows.<\/p>\n<p>Psychologists emphasize that bans without explanation rarely work. What matters most is engagement. Talk to your child and explain things using both simple terms and real facts. Let them know the boundaries about using skincare products and how beauty doesn\u2019t always come from makeup or products. The key is to do this calmly, without judgment or panic.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what\u2019s worth discussing:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li><strong>Skin is an organ that changes with age.<\/strong> What works for adults may not be safe for kids. Anti-aging products can actually be harmful to young skin. Talk with your child about how skin works, why skincare matters, and how kids\u2019 skin is different from adults\u2019. This can help shed some light on the bigger issue and encourage kids to think critically.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aesthetics \u2260 Health.<\/strong> Through ads and TikTok, the skincare industry often sells an image of perfect skin, but the real goal of skincare is health, not the perfect selfie.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Listen to your body.<\/strong> If the skin reacts to skincare products with redness, flaking, or irritation, that\u2019s not something to \u201cpush through\u201d\u2014it\u2019s a sign the product isn\u2019t right.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t panic.<\/strong> Young teens with an interest in beauty often go through it as a phase of self-exploration. Your child won\u2019t become a victim of the beauty industry overnight just because they try a Skincare Smoothie or GRWM (\u201cGet Ready With Me\u201d) video or two. Once you notice this interest, you\u2019ve got time to talk it through.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">If you notice that your child enjoys watching these types of videos, where influencers make skincare smoothies or GRWM content, but doesn\u2019t ask to buy the products in the videos, there is no reason to worry. Rather than being direct (and accusatory) about why your child cares about this content, try a gentler approach. Ask, \u201cWhat do you like about these videos?\u201d or \u201cDo you know what that product does?\u201d to support their beauty interests and curiosity.<\/p>\n<p>Remind your child regularly that what matters is not how \u201cperfect\u201d their skin looks, but how they treat themselves and the world\u2014with kindness, respect, and care. And let them know that many beauty influencers use filters\u2014in real life, they have the same skin concerns as anyone else.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"9\">A Parent\u2019s Guide: Safe Skincare for Beginners<\/h2>\n<p>Dermatologists <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/guides\/beauty\/best-skincare-for-teens\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">explain<\/a> that the best skincare routine for teens with almost any skin type is simple\u2014a good cleanser, a basic moisturizer, and SPF 30. Everything else is marketing noise and social-media-driven overconsumption.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few tips to help you choose the right skincare for your tween or teen (<strong>note<\/strong>: these are general tips and don\u2019t replace personalized advice from a dermatologist):<\/p>\n<p><strong>The three essentials of kids\u2019 skincare:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Gentle cleansing (gels or foams without harsh surfactants)<\/li>\n<li>Basic moisturizing (creams with minimal ingredients, no acids or retinol)<\/li>\n<li>SPF (sun protection is the #1 must-have for healthy skin)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What to avoid:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Retinoids and retinols<\/li>\n<li>Products with strong essential oils or added fragrances<\/li>\n<li>Anti-Aging products<\/li>\n<li>Vitamin C<\/li>\n<li>Exfoliating acids<\/li>\n<li>Glycolic acid<\/li>\n<li>Ascorbic acid<\/li>\n<li>Hyaluronic acid<\/li>\n<li>Salicylic acid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>How to choose skincare:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Always read the ingredient list: the shorter and more understandable, the better.<\/li>\n<li>Look for labels like \u201csuitable for teens\u201d or \u201cfor sensitive skin.\u201d Pharmacy brands are often great options\u2014they\u2019re safe from birth and don\u2019t rely on age-based packaging gimmicks. Plus, they often look \u201cgrown-up\u201d enough to appeal to teens.<\/li>\n<li>Buy only from trusted retailers\u2014counterfeits often contain harmful ingredients.<\/li>\n<li>Set a good example. Let your child see that self-care is about kindness, not perfection, and that a bare face in the morning is perfectly normal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">To better understand what ingredients can be used in cosmetics, check out the guidelines from the <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/cosmetics\/cosmetics-laws-regulations\/prohibited-restricted-ingredients-cosmetics\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Food and Drug Administration<\/a>. For further information about what products are considered to be child-friendly, check out the guidelines from the <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/Business--Manufacturing\/Business-Education\/Childrens-Products\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission)<\/a>. Being informed = keeping your child\u2019s skin healthy.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond picking the right products, teaching your child how to use them safely is key. If your teen is already experimenting with makeup, make sure they know how to remove it properly. Dermatologists warn that skipping this step (or doing it incorrectly, without using micellar water or gentle cleansing milk) can lead to skin problems, especially if breakouts are already present.<\/p>\n<p>Your enemy isn\u2019t cosmetics or skincare products\u2014it\u2019s using the wrong products or applying them unsafely. Talk to a dermatologist to find what works for your teen. And teach your beauty-loving kids to take care of their skin thoughtfully. Also, help them build critical thinking\u2014not everything they see online reflects reality.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"10\">What Other Trends Are Shaping Gen Alpha<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_53471\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-53471\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-53471\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/influencer.-happy-teen-girl-use-selfie-led.-kid-beauty-blogger.-childhood-happiness.jpg\" alt=\"sephora teens\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/influencer.-happy-teen-girl-use-selfie-led.-kid-beauty-blogger.-childhood-happiness.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/influencer.-happy-teen-girl-use-selfie-led.-kid-beauty-blogger.-childhood-happiness-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/influencer.-happy-teen-girl-use-selfie-led.-kid-beauty-blogger.-childhood-happiness-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/influencer.-happy-teen-girl-use-selfie-led.-kid-beauty-blogger.-childhood-happiness-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/influencer.-happy-teen-girl-use-selfie-led.-kid-beauty-blogger.-childhood-happiness-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/influencer.-happy-teen-girl-use-selfie-led.-kid-beauty-blogger.-childhood-happiness-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/influencer.-happy-teen-girl-use-selfie-led.-kid-beauty-blogger.-childhood-happiness-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-53471\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Red Fox studio\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The \u201cSephora Kids\u201d phenomenon isn\u2019t the only one of its kind. Gen Alpha is shaping an entirely new consumer and cultural landscape, and parents are often caught off guard by the speed of emerging trends.<\/p>\n<p>From skincare obsessions to memes and food crazes, here are a few other youth-driven phenomena to be aware of:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li><a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/ipad-kids\"><strong>iPad Kids<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 a nickname for children raised on screens from the cradle. They navigate modern tech with ease and have a totally different way of thinking. Experts warn that excessive screen time can negatively impact attention spans and emotional development.<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/brainrot-words\"><strong>Italian Brainrot<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 a wave of absurd humor on TikTok and Reels. Kids create and share surreal videos with bizarre characters and plots. It\u2019s their way of expressing themselves and blowing off steam.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shopping trends:<\/strong> Spicy Korean Samyang noodles, trendy Owala water bottles, and hydration gadgets like Cirkul are top wish list items\u2014all inspired by influencers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All of these trends, such as \u201cSephora Kids,\u201d share a commonality: today\u2019s kids and teens are increasingly influenced by online culture and their peers rather than traditional authorities like family or school. That\u2019s not inherently bad\u2014it\u2019s just a new reality. As a parent, staying informed and interested in your child\u2019s world helps you support them where it really counts.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"11\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3>Do Sephora Kids still exist?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, Sephora Kids still exist, buying out popular brand products from Drunk Elephant and Glow Recipe and making skincare smoothies on social media.<\/p>\n<h3>Is 13 a Sephora Kid?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, at 13 years old, a teen is still considered a Sephora Kid if they buy anti-aging skincare products or mature cosmetic products that are not appropriate for their age.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the minimum age for Sephora?<\/h3>\n<p>There is no minimum age for customers who can enter and purchase items from Sephora.<\/p>\n<h3>Is it Sephora or Zipporah?<\/h3>\n<p>Sephora is a beauty retail store, while Zipporah is famously known for being the wife of Moses in the Bible.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 10px; font-weight: 100; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\">Cover image: Just dance\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n\t\t<div class=\"wpulike wpulike-default \" ><div class=\"wp_ulike_general_class wp_ulike_is_not_liked\"><button type=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Like Button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-id=\"53464\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-nonce=\"18c2bac82e\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-type=\"likeThis\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-template=\"wpulike-default\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-display-likers=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-disable-pophover=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp_ulike_btn wp_ulike_put_image wp_likethis_53464\"><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What\u2019s behind this wave of kids, referred to as Sephora Kids, getting into adult beauty&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":53472,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"layf_related_links":[""],"layf_exclude_from_feed":["1"],"classic-editor-remember":["classic-editor"],"_edit_lock":["1772799893:1"],"_edit_last":["1"],"mpulseenable_meta_value":["no"],"yzcategory_meta_value":["\u0414\u043e\u043c"],"yzrating_meta_value":["\u041d\u0435\u0442 (\u043d\u0435 \u0434\u043b\u044f \u0432\u0437\u0440\u043e\u0441\u043b\u044b\u0445)"],"yzrssenabled_meta_value":["no"],"saswp_custom_schema_field":[""],"_s2mail":["yes"],"hide-in-popular":[""],"_hide-in-popular":["field_5d0c8a5b4fde2"],"\u0430\u0432\u0442\u043e\u0440":["\u0412\u0430\u0441\u0438\u043b\u0438\u0439 \u0421\u043c\u0438\u0440\u043d\u043e\u0432"],"_\u0430\u0432\u0442\u043e\u0440":["field_5e33cab3984d1"],"\u0444\u043e\u0442\u043e":[""],"_\u0444\u043e\u0442\u043e":["field_5e33cbc1984d2"],"custom_title":[""],"_custom_title":["field_67cfbde67c007"],"custom_image":[""],"_custom_image":["field_67d012de223ac"],"custom_alt":[""],"_custom_alt":["field_67d012f6223ad"],"read_more":[""],"_read_more":["field_67d0130e223ae"],"_aioseo_title":["What Is a Sephora Kid? The Gen Alpha Beauty Trend Explained | Findmykids"],"_aioseo_description":["What is a Sephora Kid? Why are Gen Alpha children filling beauty aisles? We break down the Sephora Kids trend and what it means for parenting today."],"_aioseo_keywords":[""],"_aioseo_og_title":[null],"_aioseo_og_description":[null],"_aioseo_og_article_section":[""],"_aioseo_og_article_tags":[""],"_aioseo_twitter_title":[null],"_aioseo_twitter_description":[null],"_thumbnail_id":["53472"],"_ez-toc-disabled":[""],"_ez-toc-insert":[""],"_ez-toc-header-label":[""],"_ez-toc-device-target":[""],"_ez-toc-alignment":["none"],"_ez-toc-heading-levels":["a:0:{}"],"_ez-toc-alttext":[""],"_ez-toc-visibility_hide_by_default":[""],"_ez-toc-hide_counter":[""],"_ez-toc-exclude":[""],"_ez-toc-word_count_limit":["0"],"_ez-toc-position-specific":[""]},"categories":[712],"tags":[527,489,599,487,496,336,682],"language":[3],"acf":{"custom_title":"","custom_image":"","custom_alt":"","read_more":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Hide-imperfections.-Perfect-tone.-Cosmetic-salon.-Teen-fashion.-Steps-skin-care.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"The Findmykids Editorial Team","author_link":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/ru\/author\/find-my-kids"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/06\/Hide-imperfections.-Perfect-tone.-Cosmetic-salon.-Teen-fashion.-Steps-skin-care.jpg","reading_time":"10","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53464"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53464"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53464\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53475,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53464\/revisions\/53475"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/53472"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53464"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=53464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}