The controversial trend of young children, including 10-year-olds, shopping at Sephora and indulging in expensive beauty and skincare products has sparked a heated debate among parents, dermatologists, retailers, and on social media platforms. While some criticize the phenomenon, blaming parents for allowing their children to use adult products, others argue that it’s harmless and just kids emulating older role models.
The trend, often referred to as “Sephora kids,” involves children and tweens shopping at the beauty retailer and sometimes sharing videos of their product hauls and skincare routines online, similar to influencers they may follow. This trend has gained traction, partly influenced by celebrities like Kim Kardashian’s daughter, North West, who posted a skincare routine video at the age of nine, and Kourtney Kardashian’s daughter, Penelope, who also shared her skincare routine.
Dermatologists have raised concerns about the use of adult skincare products on pediatric skin, emphasizing that children have thinner, more sensitive skin, making them more susceptible to irritation and dryness. They recommend using products specifically designed for sensitive or hypoallergenic skin and caution against harsh ingredients like retinols.
Despite the controversy, some argue that children mimicking trends from pop culture and older role models is nothing new. Children have a long history of imitating older individuals, whether it’s playing with dolls or experimenting with beauty products. Some people recall their own experiences of wearing makeup at a young age as a form of self-expression.
The issue has divided online opinion, with many adults expressing frustration over kids wasting samples, being rude to store employees, and spending significant amounts of money on adult products. Some videos posted by Sephora employees recount their encounters with young customers attempting to buy expensive items.
However, there are also videos defending “Sephora kids,” and some children themselves have spoken out, asserting that they are part of a new generation (Generation Alpha) and should be allowed to enjoy the trends of their time.
The controversy surrounding “Sephora kids” continues to generate discussions on social media platforms, with no consensus reached on whether this trend is problematic or simply a reflection of changing times. Sephora has not commented on the matter.