Why the use of cosmetic products is harmful for children?

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Why the use of cosmetic products is harmful for children?

Cosmetic products are substances or preparations that are applied to the external parts of the human body, such as the skin, hair, nails, lips, or eyes, for the purpose of cleaning, beautifying, enhancing, or altering the appearance. Cosmetic products are widely used by adults, especially women, for various reasons, such as personal hygiene, self-expression, social conformity, or professional necessity. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of children, especially girls, using cosmetic products, influenced by social media, peer pressure, or celebrity culture. This trend is alarming, as cosmetic products are not suitable for children and can cause serious and irreversible harm to their skin and overall health. In this article, we will discuss the types of cosmetic products that children use, the harmful ingredients or contaminants found in these products, the effects of these products on children’s skin and health, and the possible alternatives or solutions for this issue.


Types of cosmetic products used by children

Children use various types of cosmetic products, such as makeup, skincare, body care, hair care, nail care, or fragrance products. Makeup products include foundation, concealer, powder, blush, bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, eyebrow pencil, lip gloss, lipstick, etc. Skincare products include cleanser, toner, moisturizer, serum, mask, scrub, exfoliant, sunscreen, etc. Body care products include soap, shower gel, body lotion, body butter, body oil, deodorant, etc. Hair care products include shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, hair spray, hair gel, hair dye, etc. Nail care products include nail polish, nail polish remover, nail file, cuticle oil, etc. Fragrance products include perfume, cologne, body spray, etc.


Harmful ingredients or contaminants found in cosmetic products

Cosmetic products contain various ingredients or contaminants that can be harmful for children’s skin and health. Some of these ingredients or contaminants are:

  • Heavy metals: Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, or chromium, are often found in cosmetic products, either as intentional ingredients or as impurities from the manufacturing process or the packaging materials. Heavy metals can accumulate in the body and cause damage to the nervous system, the kidneys, the liver, or the brain. They can also interfere with the hormonal balance and the immune system, and increase the risk of cancer.
  • Exfoliating acids: Exfoliating acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), are often used in skincare products to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, or improve skin texture. However, these acids can also damage the skin barrier, which is the protective layer of the skin that prevents water loss and protects against environmental aggressors. A damaged skin barrier can lead to dryness, irritation, inflammation, or infection. Moreover, exfoliating acids can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, which can cause sunburn, pigmentation, or premature aging.
  • Retinols: Retinols, or vitamin A derivatives, are often used in skincare products to stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles, or treat acne. However, retinols can also cause skin irritation, peeling, redness, or sensitivity. Retinols are also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as they can cause birth defects or affect the development of the fetus or the infant.


Effects of cosmetic products on children’s skin and health

Cosmetic products can have various negative effects on children’s skin and health, such as:

  • Skin damage: Cosmetic products can damage the skin of children, who have thinner, more delicate, and more sensitive skin than adults. Cosmetic products can cause skin problems, such as dryness, irritation, inflammation, eczema, dermatitis, or acne. Cosmetic products can also clog the pores, disrupt the natural balance of the skin, or interfere with the normal functioning of the skin. Cosmetic products can also affect the appearance of the skin, such as causing dullness, unevenness, or premature aging.
  • Health risks: Cosmetic products can pose health risks for children, who have lower body weight, higher metabolic rate, and less developed organs and systems than adults. Cosmetic products can enter the body through the skin, the mouth, the eyes, or the nose, and cause systemic effects, such as hormonal imbalance, immune dysfunction, neurological damage, or organ toxicity. Cosmetic products can also increase the risk of cancer, especially skin cancer, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer.


Alternatives or solutions for the use of cosmetic products by children

There are some alternatives or solutions for the use of cosmetic products by children, such as:

  • Natural or organic products: Natural or organic products are products that are made from natural or organic ingredients, such as plant extracts, oils, waxes, or minerals. Natural or organic products are generally safer, gentler, and more eco-friendly than conventional products. However, natural or organic products are not necessarily free from harmful ingredients or contaminants, and they may still cause allergic reactions or sensitivities. Therefore, it is important to read the labels, check the ingredients, and do a patch test before using any product.
  • Gentle or minimal skincare routines: Gentle or minimal skincare routines are routines that involve using only a few products that are suitable for the skin type and condition of the child. Gentle or minimal skincare routines can help maintain the health and beauty of the skin, without causing unnecessary damage or stress. A gentle or minimal skincare routine for children may include a mild cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen. Other products, such as toners, serums, masks, or exfoliants, are not necessary or advisable for children.
  • Education and awareness campaigns: Education and awareness campaigns are campaigns that aim to educate and raise awareness among children, parents, teachers, or the public about the dangers of cosmetic products for children, and the benefits of natural beauty, self-esteem, and healthy habits. Education and awareness campaigns can help children understand the risks and consequences of using cosmetic products, and the importance of protecting their skin and health. Education and awareness campaigns can also help children develop a positive body image, a sense of identity, and a confidence that is not based on external appearance or social pressure.


Cosmetic products are not suitable for children and can cause serious and irreversible harm to their skin and overall health. Children use various types of cosmetic products, such as makeup, skincare, body care, hair care, nail care, or fragrance products, that contain harmful ingredients or contaminants, such as heavy metals, exfoliating acids, retinols, etc. These ingredients or contaminants can damage the skin barrier, provoke allergies or eczema, disrupt hormonal balance, or increase the risk of cancer. There are some alternatives or solutions for the use of cosmetic products by children, such as natural or organic products, gentle or minimal skincare routines, or education and awareness campaigns. These alternatives or solutions can help children protect their skin and health, and enjoy their natural beauty, self-esteem, and healthy habits.




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