New Study Warns That Popular Teen Skincare Routines on TikTok Might Be Damaging Skin

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media, chances are you’ve seen a teen proudly showing off a medicine cabinet that rivals a Sephora end cap, or sharing a skincare routine more elaborate than a luxury spa treatment. The colorful bottles and charm of a tween confidently explaining the difference between hyaluronic acid and vitamin C may rack up views—but a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics reveals there’s real reason for concern.

Researchers at Northwestern Medicine analyzed 100 TikTok videos from content creators aged 7 to 18 and discovered that, on average, their routines included 11 potentially irritating active ingredients. Many of these carry risks like skin allergies, sun sensitivity, and contact dermatitis. Previous studies have shown that developing such allergies can permanently limit the types of soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics a person can safely use—for life. (Let that sink in.)

Shockingly, though, only a quarter of the lengthy product lists contained sunscreens. The study authors cautioned that only 26% of daytime skincare regimens included sunscreen—arguably the most important product for any age range, but especially for kids. While the product options are endless, we asked a dermatologist to help navigate the confusing land of teen skincare.

Safe Skincare Advice for Teens

Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas, commends these authors “on scientifically confirming a problem that I see every day in my practice,” she says. (She sees it so often, she co-founded a skincare line for teens that offers basic formulas, including gentle cleansers, serums, and moisturizers.) “Research like this sheds important light on a very real and growing problem: the increasing pressure on teens and tweens to adopt complex skincare routines driven by social media trends, often without any guidance or understanding of the risks involved or what their products are actually doing.” Here, McDonald shares her advice.

Prioritize skin health over skincare trends

“Studies like this highlight how excessive use of active ingredients and fragrances, especially in young, developing skin, can lead to long-term issues like allergic contact dermatitis,” she says. “Teens and tweens should not be using multiple exfoliants, strong actives, or products meant for mature or acne-prone skin without proper evaluation.”

Stick to the basics 

Young skin needs gentle care—not a 10-step routine, McDonald explains. “I strongly recommend that teens use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products designed specifically for sensitive or youthful skin. The goal should be to maintain a healthy skin barrier, not to chase unrealistic beauty standards.” A gentle cleanser, light moisturizer, and sunscreen gets the job done. If you’re experiencing issues (breakouts, dryness, etc.), see a derm to talk about your best options.

Avoid harsh actives

“When overused or layered, ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide can disrupt the skin barrier and trigger irritation or allergic reactions,” McDonald says. “One active product, if necessary, should be used with care and under guidance, especially in tweens.

Remember sunscreen is a non-negotiable

It’s alarming that only 26% of the regimens included sunscreen. Broad-spectrum SPF, ideally in a gentle mineral formulation, should be a foundational part of any daytime skincare routine starting in childhood. Protecting the skin early from UV damage is far more impactful than any trending serum or mask.