Should Anti-Aging Cosmetics Be Banned for Minors? As young people flock to retinol creams and anti-wrinkle serums from their teenage years, a proposed law aims to put an end to this trend.
A proposed law to prohibit the sale of anti-aging products to under 18s is making headlines and brings back the debate around the protection of young people against aesthetic demands. The stated objective is clear: prevent minors from accessing products with powerful active ingredients that are often unsuitable for their skin and potentially harmful.
A Proposed Law to Protect Minors
California Congressman Alex Lee recently proposed legislation that would prohibit the sale of anti-aging products to minors. This bill specifically targets cosmetics containing active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Lee emphasizes that these products are not only unnecessary for youth but can also be potentially harmful to their skin. He accuses the beauty industry of exploiting young people’s insecurities by promoting anti-aging products to impressionable audiences.
The Potential Consequences of the Legislation
If this proposed law is adopted, California retailers would be required to verify the age of customers purchasing anti-aging products, similar to existing restrictions for alcohol or tobacco. However, questions arise about the effective enforcement of this law, especially regarding online purchases where age verification is more challenging. Furthermore, some experts argue that this measure could distract from more pressing issues affecting youth, such as gun violence or vaping.
Could Similar Measures Be Adopted in Europe?
In Europe, similar initiatives are beginning to emerge. In Sweden, a pharmacy chain has banned the sale of anti-wrinkle creams to customers under 15, in response to concerns about the inappropriate use of these products by young people.
Moreover, starting in 2026, the European Union plans to prohibit the unrestricted sale of creams and serums containing more than 0.3% retinol, aiming to protect consumers from the potentially harmful effects of high concentrations of this ingredient. These actions reflect a growing awareness of the risks associated with young people’s use of powerful cosmetic products and could encourage other European countries to consider similar regulations to protect this vulnerable population.
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