Should Kids Use Skincare? Here’s What You Need to Know

Are Skincare Routines the New Bedtime Story? Let’s Talk About Sephora’s Kids Line

Okay, so picture this: you’re nine years old, your biggest concern is finishing your homework before your favorite cartoon, and then suddenly—you’re standing in front of the mirror rubbing on serums that promise to “revive dull skin.” Wait… what?

Yep, that’s kind of where we are now. Sephora recently dropped a skincare line for kids. And while it’s glossy and cute and wrapped in all the right packaging, it definitely got people talking—and for good reason.

Now don’t get me wrong—teaching kids to care for their bodies is amazing. Hygiene? Yes. SPF? 100%. Learning how to gently wash your face after a long day of playground adventures? Love it. But when “skincare” starts looking more like the 10-step routine you do before date night, it might be worth hitting pause.

Because here’s the thing: kids aren’t tiny adults. Their skin is different. Their hormones are different. Their self-image is still forming. When we start introducing the idea that they need products to “look better,” even if it’s not the brand’s intention, it can blur the line between self-care and self-scrutiny.

Sure, it’s fun to imitate mom’s nighttime routine or dab on a jelly-textured mask that smells like strawberries. But when this becomes the norm, not the novelty, we risk teaching young kids that how they look needs fixing. And no 8-year-old needs to feel like their pores are a problem.

Let’s also talk about pressure because social media is not sleeping on this trend. The idea of “glow-ups” is being served with breakfast these days, and kids are watching. If we feed into that with curated kid skincare shelves, we might unintentionally fast-track them into a world that’s obsessed with image—before they even hit puberty.

And listen, this isn’t about pointing fingers. Sephora’s kid line might come from a well-meaning place. Maybe it’s about fun, bonding, and early wellness habits. But as the grown-ups in the room, we get to ask: Is this the kind of “care” they really need right now?

Instead, let’s celebrate the mess. The small pimple on the chin. The sun-kissed cheeks. The freckle that shows up after a beach day. Let’s teach them to love their skin before teaching them how to “fix” it.

So if you’re a parent, an older sibling, a cool aunt, or just someone wondering what’s going on with this trend—here’s your gentle reminder: kids need freedom, not night creams. Let’s save the retinol for later and stick to what matters most right now to them; play, discovery, and SPF if the sun’s out.

Catch you next time!