A new bill introduced in California aims to prohibit the sale of anti-aging skincare products to individuals under 18, ABC7 News reported.

Asm. Alex Lee proposed the legislation in response to social media trends encouraging young children to use adult skincare products.

Dr. Zakia Rahman, a dermatology professor at Stanford University, expressed concern about the complexity of skincare routines adopted by young patients. “I’m seeing more and more young people who are coming in with skin care regimens that are 10 times more complicated than mine,” she said.

While some products like retinoids can be beneficial for treating acne scarring in children as young as nine under medical supervision, combining ingredients prematurely can lead to allergic reactions or irritations.

“Simplifying a regimen is really, really important, and if you don’t do that the irritation can be something that can last months and months,” Dr. Rahman warned.

Related Story: Ozempic, Wegovy Among 15 Drugs Selected for Medicare Price Negotiations

Proposed Legislation Details

Lee’s bill, AB 728, would require age verification at the point of sale for anti-aging products. “Children shouldn’t be worrying when they’re 12 years old or 11 years old about fine lines, wrinkles or being old,” Lee stated.

The Personal Care Products Council, representing companies like Sephora and Ulta, previously opposed a similar bill, arguing it would overregulate safe products and be difficult to enforce.

If passed, the new legislation could take effect in 2026, pending committee approval and the governor’s signature.

Read more at ABC7 News