TikTok Skincare: Kids & Costly Routines
TikTok Skin Care Trends Drive Pediatric concerns
Updated June 19, 2025
Fueled by social media, children are increasingly interested in skin care, prompting dermatologists to offer guidance to pediatricians. A recent study in Pediatrics highlights a significant increase in spending on skin care products for children aged 6 to 12, with a 27.2% rise from 2022 to 2023.
Data derived from Hales M, et al. Pediatrics. 2025; two: 10.1542/peds.2024-070309.
Dr. Molly Hales, a physician-anthropologist and postdoctoral research fellow at northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, noted the prevalence of extensive skin care routines among young patients. Hales said she is frequently enough surprised by the sheer volume of products her patients report using.
Hales and her team analyzed 100 TikTok videos from 82 creators,predominantly girls,to assess the products used and their costs. The research revealed that the average video showcased six products costing a total of $168. Some routines included as many as 21 active ingredients, raising concerns about potential skin irritation.
Many active ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids, increase sun sensitivity, yet only 26% of the videos included sunscreen, Hales’ study found.
“I was surprised at the sheer number of products that these teens and preteens were using…As a dermatologist, that always gives me pause, because active ingredients can be helpful, but thay are also generally irritating,” Hales said.
Hales suggests pediatricians be prepared to address questions about skin care but does not recommend routine screening for product use unless a patient presents with a rash, in wich case, screening should be performed.
“If somebody is coming in with a rash, as a dermatologist I pretty much always screen them to get a sense of what products they are using, as products applied to the skin are one of the most common causes of new rash. So, in that situation I would want a pediatrician to be asking what their skin care practices are and what products they are using,” Hales said.
Hales emphasizes that these products are not essential for skin health and may even be detrimental. She also cautions against the intertwining of beauty ideals with self-care and skin health, so that children don’t feel pressured to use excessive products.
“I would want providers to first of all convey the message that these products are not necessary for skin health, and if anything, probably take away from the health of the skin,” Hales said.
Sunscreen is the only product with strong evidence supporting its use in this age group, Hales said. Gentle cleansers might potentially be beneficial for adolescents with increased oil production. For teens with acne,benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleansers can be considered,but limiting active ingredients to one at a time is recommended.
To minimize allergy risk, fragrance-free products are preferable, Hales said.
When children request skin care products seen online, Hales advises parents to use it as an possibility to discuss social media’s influence and promote informed consumer habits. She recommends steering children toward affordable products without active ingredients or added fragrance.
“Steer kids toward products that are affordable, do not have active ingredients, and are not going to strip the skin of natural moisture or have a lot of added fragrance,” Hales said.
What’s next
As social media trends continue to shape children’s skin care habits, pediatricians and parents can play a crucial role in guiding them toward safe and healthy practices.