California State Assembly member Alex Lee has put forward a legislative proposal that seeks to restrict shoppers under 18 years from purchasing certain anti-ageing cosmetic products.
The bill, introduced in February 2025, is designed to prevent the sale of products containing vitamin A derivatives such as retinol, retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, to minors.
The initiative represents Lee’s renewed efforts to shield minors from these substances, broadening the scope of protection to encompass all children under 18 years.
The move comes amid growing scrutiny over the potential health risks associated with the use of such products by young individuals.
Lee pointed out that interest in skincare among young consumers continues to rise and ensuring their protection from potentially harmful products becomes increasingly important.
In 2023, skincare purchases grew by 28.6% among US families with teenagers aged 13 to 17 years, while families with children aged six to 12 years saw a 27.2% increase in purchases.
Assembly Member Lee stated: “The beauty industry is cashing in on the ‘Sephora kids’ phenomenon where children are buying and using adult anti-ageing products.
“Kids don’t need anti-ageing products. The beauty industry knows that, and some companies have acknowledged the issue. But their statements — absent real and meaningful action — are performative and fall short of responsible behaviour.
“We have to stop the beauty industry from exploiting our youth. It’s time we take action, and my bill is a common sense measure to protect kids from unnecessary and potentially harmful anti-ageing products.”
Regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency do not mandate testing of general cosmetic items, such as anti-ageing creams.
Only products that are explicitly intended for children such as baby lotions, sunscreens and medications are subject to rigorous age-specific safety evaluations.
Should this legislation be enacted in California, retailers would be compelled to verify the age and identity of purchasers through methods such as checking a driver’s licence or other state-issued identification documents, The New York Times has reported.
