CBS News California Investigates: "Sephora Kid" concerns
Get-ready-with-me videos saturate social media feeds, targeting young girls with multi-step skincare routines where popular brands partner with kid-fluencers to create viral skincare products. The skincare industry is cashing in on so-called "Sephora kids," fueled by Gen Alpha (kids under 12). But dermatologists warn that many viral products contain anti-aging ingredients that can harm young skin, and it's hard to tell the products apart.
A California lawmaker wants to restrict the sale of some anti-aging products for kids under 18. Critics say that's misguided. So, CBS News California investigative correspondent Julie Watts teamed up with her daughter's fifth-grade class and the CBS News Confirmed team to examine the risks and the proposed solutions.
Part I: Skincare industry profits from marketing products tweens shouldn't use
A CBS News Confirmed analysis of a dozen skincare influencers' accounts found that many featured ingredients not suitable for kids and were undisclosed brand partnerships or sponsored posts.
Part II: California bill targeting anti-aging skincare sales to minors dies without vote
CBS News California's Julie Watts and her daughter's fifth-grade class go undercover shopping and head to the State Capitol to investigate how the skincare industry makes billions by selling potentially harmful products to tweens.
@kcalnews CBS News California Investigates Correspondent Julie Watts sent her 5th-grade daughter and some classmates (with parents' permission) undercover shopping for skincare products to see what would happen when the kids tried to buy products that, according to dermatologists, contain anti-aging ingredients that could harm their young skin. From bubblegum cleansers to kid-fluencers promoting viral brands, the skincare industry is cashing in on the so-called "Sephora kids" trend. And while industry says it doesn't market adult skincare to kids, most shoppers wouldn't know that by looking at the shelf or even the fine print on the fruit-shaped and brightly colored packaging. On top of all that, the ongoing trend is also coming on the heels of a recently failed attempt to limit the sale of certain skincare products to children in California. #skincare#california#news#sephorakids♬ original sound - KCAL News
@kcalnews CBS News, reporter Julie Watts and her daughter's entire fifth-grade class went to the State Capitol to investigate California's failed "Sephora kids" bill, which aimed to restrict the sale of anti-aging skincare products to minors. They listened in as supporters and critics battled over the bill, before taking their questions directly to lawmakers regarding the ethics of skincare brands making billions of dollars a year seemingly selling products, some of which dermatologists say are harmful for minors, to tweens. #skincare#sephorakids#california#investigation#sephora#ulta♬ original sound - KCAL News
@kcalnews CBS News, reporter Julie Watts and her daughter's entire fifth-grade class went to the State Capitol to investigate California's failed "Sephora kids" bill, which aimed to restrict the sale of anti-aging skincare products to minors. They listened in as supporters and critics battled over the bill, before taking their questions directly to lawmakers regarding the ethics of skincare brands making billions of dollars a year seemingly selling products, some of which dermatologists say are harmful for minors, to tweens. #skincare#sephorakids#california#investigation#sephora#ulta♬ original sound - KCAL News
@cbsnews Fifth graders walked into a store and left with anti-aging skincare meant for adults. In an undercover investigation, Julie Watts found just how easy it is for children to buy products that dermatologists warn can damage young skin. While it's legal to sell to kids, experts say the risks are real. #sephora#makeup#skincare♬ original sound - cbsnews