Attorney General William Tong announced that Sephora has adopted new safeguards regarding the marketing of anti-aging skincare products to kids.

This resolves an investigation by the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

Dr. Andrew Carlson, Division Head, Primary Care, Connecticut Children’s, said, 

“We’re seeing more and more children using skincare products that were never designed for developing skin. The reality is that kids’ skin is more sensitive, and ingredients like retinol and strong acids can cause irritation and even long-term damage. We’re grateful to Attorney General Tong for his leadership on this issue and for being a strong champion for children.”

In November 2024, Tong sent a letter to Sephora regarding the company’s marketing and promotion of anti-aging products to children. 

The letter noted that many of these anti-aging products contain active ingredients, including retinol and other acids, that are often unsuitable and potentially harmful to children’s skin. 

Attorney General Tong commented, 

“Not every product promoted online is safe or appropriate, and far too often, that information is not clear. Today’s settlement with Sephora includes strong, enforceable measures to ensure young customers are seeking accurate warnings and information about the safety and suitability of products for young skin.”

The Enforceable Safeguard Terms 

“Requiring all brands that supply it with skincare products to provide Sephora with all warnings and disclaimers about the suitability of their products for children under the age of 13;

“Clearly and conspicuously disclose these warnings and disclaimers on all pages where such products are sold on its website;

“Require all employees who assist consumers to be trained to identify products that may not be suitable for children under 13 and provide appropriate information concerning the manufacturers’ warnings and disclaimers; and

“Maintain a resource that is clearly and conspicuously disclosed on its website that informs consumers of products that may not be suitable for children under 13.”