Sephora Kids describes tweens and teens buying multi-step anti-aging skincare routines popularized on TikTok. A 2025 Northwestern Medicine review of 100 creator videos ages 7-18 found the routines average six products and offer little benefit for pediatric skin.
For readers of an acne treatment site, the distinction matters. Teen acne needs targeted, dermatologist-guided care, not layered anti-aging actives. This review summarizes what researchers found, why it harms young skin, and what simpler care looks like.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- What did the TikTok routines contain?
- Why can these actives harm tween skin?
- What should tweens use instead?
- Where does the evidence stop?
What did the TikTok routines contain?
Researchers found top-viewed routines averaged 11 potentially irritating active ingredients, according to Northwestern University News in its report on teen skin-care routines. Common products included exfoliating acids, retinoids, and fragranced moisturizers. Many routines stacked several leave-on serums and creams at once.
Sun protection was rare. Only 26.2% of daytime regimens included sunscreen, while 76% contained at least one potential contact allergen, according to the Pediatrics study in its analysis of pediatric regimens on TikTok. That combination raises irritation and sun-sensitivity risk. Cost added burden without pediatric benefit.
Why can these actives harm tween skin?
Alpha-hydroxy acids, citric, lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids plus retinoids can cause redness, peeling, dermatitis and sunburn on sensitive tween skin. Tweens do not have wrinkles or sun spots for anti-aging products to treat. The result is harm without a matching skin concern.
Pediatric skin reacts more strongly than adult-tested skin. Early repeated exposure may raise lifelong allergy risk, and 20 routine inactive ingredients appear on the Pediatric Baseline Series allergen panel. Researchers also warn the trend pushes unrealistic anti-aging and glass skin ideals on children as young as 8-10, with possible self-esteem and anxiety effects.
What should tweens use instead?
For most tweens, dermatologists recommend only gentle cleanser, lightweight moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen. They advise avoiding retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids unless prescribed, according to the American Academy of Dermatology in its dermatologist guide to growing up to glowing up. Acne is the exception and needs a clinician plan, not a viral routine.
- Use a fragrance-free gentle cleanser once or twice daily
- Apply a lightweight moisturizer if skin feels dry or tight
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen each morning and reapply for outdoor time
- Pause new actives if burning, peeling, or rash appears
- See a board-certified dermatologist for persistent acne, not a product haul
Where does the evidence stop?
The strongest study is a content analysis of posted TikTok routines. It did not include clinical patch-testing or long-term follow-up. Actual dermatitis rates and permanent sensitization rates remain unmeasured.
That gap does not weaken the practical warning. The average TikTok teen regimen cost $168 for a month supply, with some exceeding $500. Save the money and ask a board-certified dermatologist before adding any acne active.