Skincare routines on TikTok, aimed at kids and teens, could be causing more harm than benefit to these viewers.
A study from Northwestern Medicine looked at how girls seven to 18 are using skincare products they see online.
On average, each teen used six different products on their faces, and some were using more than a dozen.
Many of these products are marketed directly to younger audiences and carry a high risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions.
The findings also showed that most teens’ daily skin routines come with a hefty price tag.
On average, a month’s worth of products costs $168, and some routines topped $500.
Perhaps most concerning: Only about a quarter of these routines included sunscreen.
Dermatologists say sunscreen is the single most important product for protecting skin at any age, and it’s especially critical for youth.
The videos themselves are often packed with potentially irritating ingredients.
On average, the most-viewed clips had 11 active ingredients that could cause skin problems.
Using multiple active ingredients at once, or repeatedly using the same one across different products, can lead to burns, irritation, and even allergic contact dermatitis.
Once a person develops that kind of allergy, it can limit what soaps, shampoos, or cosmetics they can safely use for life.
Dr. Molly Hales, a dermatologist and lead author of the study, explains that irritation often comes from a mix of acids and repeated ingredients across products.
In one example, a content creator applied 10 products in six minutes. By the end, she was visibly uncomfortable, and her skin had a clear reaction.
Beyond skin damage, these videos push a certain beauty ideal. Dr. Tara Lagu, senior author of the study, notes that some content promoted lighter, brighter skin, reinforcing racialized beauty standards.
The videos also link skin care to consumerism, showing teens that spending more equals better results.
The study found little real benefit for the kids watching. Algorithms make it hard for parents or pediatricians to track what children are seeing.
How the Study Was Done
- To conduct the research, the team created TikTok accounts posing as 13-year-olds.
- They used the “For You” page to gather 100 unique videos, noting who made them, what products were used, the costs and which ingredients could trigger allergic reactions.
TikTok skin-care videos for young teens can be risky.
They often encourage expensive, overly complicated routines, push harmful beauty standards and rarely include essentials like sunscreen.
Parents and teens should be cautious and focus on simple, safe skincare practices.
