TikTok Skin ⁤Care Trends Put Youth ⁣at Risk, Experts Warn

​Updated June 11,⁤ 2025
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Viral TikTok videos are pushing complex and potentially harmful skin care routines on young children,⁣ raising concerns among dermatologists ‌and‌ oncologists. A recent study in Pediatrics revealed that the average routine‍ featured in‍ these videos includes‍ six products costing around $168. These videos often⁤ garner over 1.1 million views.

dr. ​Molly⁣ Hales, in a ‌video abstract for the study, highlighted a clip‍ of a young ​girl applying⁣ nearly ten⁣ products,‍ including​ acids, toners,​ and serums.Researchers ⁣at Northwestern Medicine analyzed 100 ⁤viral TikTok skin care videos featuring users aged‌ 7 to 18. They found that ‍only one​ in four routines included ​sunscreen, while the most-viewed videos contained⁤ up to ⁢21 potentially ​irritating active ingredients.

Khushali S.Jhaveri, a⁢ hematologist-oncologist and assistant professor of‌ medicine at the Indiana University School⁣ of Medicine, notes the unsettling nature of these findings. She argues that children are ​engaging in skin care rituals driven by algorithm-fed, commercialized​ aesthetic ideals rather than actual dermatological ‍needs.

The Pediatrics ‍ study⁣ found that‌ many routines contained overlapping active ingredients, such as alpha-hydroxy acids ‌(AHAs) and⁤ beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). In some instances, the ⁢same ingredient appeared in multiple consecutive products. One routine included ten products⁤ totaling $244, with repeated use of citric and lactic acids, and no ⁤sunscreen.

Jhaveri points out that these videos often promote perfectionism ⁤and unattainable beauty standards, framed as “health.” Phrases like “porcelain skin” and “glowy skin” are common, carrying subtle implications around race and skin tone.The algorithm-driven nature ⁢of TikTok makes this trend especially challenging to monitor.

Researchers created new TikTok‌ accounts set to age 13 and found that the platform surfaced skin care⁤ content⁢ without any specific searches. This means parents, pediatricians, and teachers might potentially ​be unaware of what children ⁢are watching‌ and how frequently enough.

“We’re six ⁤minutes​ in now,and she’s applied almost ten ⁣products.”

— Dr. Molly Hales, commenting on a TikTok‌ skin⁣ care video

While some videos‌ showed skin care as a bonding ritual, the overall message was that more ‍products are ⁤better. This can lead to children ⁤feeling uncomfortable with normal, unfiltered skin.

What’s next

Experts urge parents and educators to ⁢provide children with honest, accessible guidance grounded⁢ in science and‍ simplicity. They emphasize that children do not need complex, multi-step⁤ skin care routines⁤ and ⁣that the risks of ‍these⁣ trends far outweigh any cosmetic gain. A focus on basic​ skin care and sun protection is crucial.