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The Sephora tween epidemic creates nationwide issues with children using harmful products

2024.02.21 15:50:29 Yeonwoo Ko
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[kids makeup. Photo Credit: freepik] 

Sephora stores across the country have been facing the issue of children coming into the stores and misusing the free samples that Sephora offers its customers.

 

Recently, the problem has escalated, with a surge in the number of children and tweens causing disturbances in the stores.

 

Many people have recently been posting videos on the social media app TikTok, showcasing alarming footage of children destroying sample products and verbally harassing Sephora workers.

 

Sephora workers nationwide face the same issue, with children not treating them with respect and failing to clean up after their messes.

 

Numerous Sephora workers have opened up about their experiences dealing with children by posting on TikTok.

This has prompted sympathy and similar stories from fellow shoppers.

 

Moreover, it’s not only the employees who are affected; adult and teenage customers have reported witnessing children trying out skincare products unsuitable for their age and engaging in bulk purchases, leading to product shortages for other customers.

 

Online discussions on the Sephora community website suggest the need for an age restriction to address the damage caused by children.

However, a lot of other users argue that creating an age restriction in Sephora can do more harm than good as it establishes a discriminatory rule towards an age group.

 

Yet, a prevailing opinion attributes the rise of the “Sephora children” phenomenon to the TikTok platform.

 

TikTok, while not intended for children under 13, attracts younger users who may be influenced by eye-catching makeup and skincare advertisements.

 

The growing population of “Sephora children” is seemingly expanding at an astronomical rate.

 

Despite concerns about the potential negative impacts on children, makeup brands are thriving due to increased business from tween and children customers.

 

Products purchased by these young consumers range from $15 to over $100, contributing to the normalization of expensive products in Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

 

With this trend of disruptive behavior by children in Sephora stores, there is a growing concern about the potential long-term effects on the skincare habits of young consumers.

 

Several dermatologists warn that many of the products purchased by children are not designed or tested for their delicate skin.

 

Harmful chemicals in these products can potentially damage their skin barrier, contrary to the desired skincare effects.

 

In fact, almost all of Sephora’s products are geared towards a more mature audience with skin suitable for these products.

 

As the issue gains attention, there is a call for greater awareness among parents and guardians.

 

This call emphasizes the need to guide children towards age-appropriate skincare choices, highlighting the importance of responsible product use from an early age.

 

Experts believe that, over time, the Sephora children trend will slowly decrease in size, as all trends eventually do.

 

This alarming trend illustrates how easily social media trends can generate harmful impacts on people's lives.

 

This call emphasizes the need to guide children towards age-appropriate skincare choices, highlighting the importance of responsible product use from an early age.

 

Experts believe that, over time, the Sephora children trend will slowly decrease in size, as all trends eventually do.


This alarming trend illustrates how easily social media trends can generate harmful impacts on people's lives.

Yeonwoo Ko / Grade 10 Session 4
Adlai E Stevenson High School