A California bill aimed at banning the sale of anti-aging cosmetics to children under 13 failed to pass in the state House after being tabled in the Appropriations Committee on Thursday.
Democratic Rep. Alex Lee introduced AB 2491 last month to combat the controversial skin care fad that is affecting young children online.
Over the past year, the internet has been buzzing with discussions about “Sephora Kids.” A number of viral accounts online have posted images of young children flocking to stores like Sephora, causing chaos and fighting with adult shoppers over the last stock of trendy skin serums and lip oils. are doing. Social media has become huge as children, whose baby teeth have only grown in half of their mouths, are sharing videos of their makeup and skin care routines and enjoying shopping.
Experts have warned that some skin care products popularized on social media can irritate young skin. Seven dermatologists told NBC News in February that over the past few months, under-teens have developed red, dry, bumpy and itchy rashes after using unnecessary skin care products. Children are reportedly showing up to the office in droves.
The bill, which passed the Environment, Safety and Toxic Substances Committee last month, would prohibit children under 13 from purchasing over-the-counter anti-aging products containing vitamin A, its derivatives (such as retinoids and retinol) and alpha hydroxy acids. (glycolic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid, etc.).
“While we are disappointed with today’s outcome, we remain committed to protecting children from the unnecessary harms of anti-aging products,” Lee said in a statement after the bill failed.
Lee said 20 California state legislators signed the letter and sent it to the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), a national trade group representing 600 companies in the cosmetics and personal care products industry.
Lee said lawmakers are “asking the industry to share what concrete actions it intends to take to address the issue of children purchasing anti-aging products.”
“The multi-billion dollar beauty industry has a responsibility to take meaningful action on this issue,” he added.
Anti-aging products (often containing powerful active ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid, and ascorbic acid) have become much more available at retail stores in recent years, Lee said in a news release last month. said.
A PCPC spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.
In its latest statement, the PCPC told the California Legislature that the bill is a “hastily drafted attempt to use legislative power to stop social media trends,” and that it would not be safe to use products such as sunscreen and moisturizers. He urged people to vote against the bill, saying it risks over-regulating skin care products. And cleanser.
If the bill had passed, sellers would have been required to take one of several “reasonable” steps to enforce age restrictions. For example, they could prominently post a notice next to a product in stores or online that says “Not for children under 13.” Require buyers to verify age at checkout. Prohibit the use of prepaid credit cards for online purchases.
“We share Rep. Lee’s concerns about the social media trend of preteens and teenagers using anti-aging products. However, no matter how well-intentioned, California AB 2491 poses serious compliance concerns. “This created an issue, requiring cashiers to verify product claims and the customer’s age at checkout,” a PCPC spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
