California bill proposes ban on selling anti-aging skincare products to children
Source：KTLA
From：Taiwan Trade Center, Los Angeles
Update Time：2024/08/27
A California bill designed to restrict the sale of anti-aging skincare products to children under 13 continues to advance through the legislative process.
The proposed legislation, AB 2491, seeks to ban the sale of skincare items containing ingredients such as Vitamin A, retinoids, retinol, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), and Citric Acid to children under 13. Additionally, the bill mandates that businesses implement reasonable measures to ensure that purchasers of these anti-aging products are not younger than 13.
Businesses failing to comply with the new regulations could face civil penalties up to $10,000 per day.
Introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Milpitas) in February, the bill passed the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee on April 23 and was reviewed by the Appropriations Committee on May 6.
“Kids don’t need anti-aging products, and AB 2491 will safeguard children and preteens from potential short- and long-term skin issues caused by these products,” a recent news release stated.
However, the Personal Care Products Council, which represents about 90% of the U.S. beauty industry, including major brands like Ulta Beauty and the parent company of Sephora, argues that enforcing the bill would be "largely impossible" if it becomes law. The Council expressed concerns that the bill targets safe ingredients and criticized it as a reaction to social media trends rather than a practical solution. They also pointed out that the bill would impose burdens on cashiers, requiring them to verify whether products are marketed as anti-aging and check customers' ages at checkout.
The bill follows the emergence of the term “Sephora Kids” on social media, describing young people interested in skincare who may use products unsuitable for their skin. Despite statements from skincare companies like Dove, The Ordinary, and Kiehl’s about appropriate usage, supporters of the bill argue that more action is needed to prevent the misuse of these products.
Assemblymember Lee highlighted the industry's failure to address the issue adequately, pointing out that companies continue to profit from selling potentially harmful products to children.
During a press conference, 10-year-old Scarlett Goddard-Strahan shared her personal experience of suffering skin issues after using anti-aging products influenced by TikTok. She reported burns and bumps on her skin and expressed ongoing concerns about her appearance.
For the bill to become law, it must be approved by both the state House and Senate and receive Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/california/california-bill-could-ban-the-sale-of-anti-aging-skincare-products-to-children/