TikTok Skincare Routines Linked to Skin Allergies and Risks

TikTok has become a dominant platform for beauty and skincare advice, especially among young girls. However, a groundbreaking study published in Pediatrics by Northwestern University researchers uncovers hidden dangers behind these popular skincare routines. The study analyzed TikTok videos created by girls aged seven to eighteen and found that their regimens often include numerous products and active ingredients, which can lead to significant skin health risks.

On average, these young creators use six different skincare products, with some using more than a dozen, spending approximately $168 per month. These routines typically feature 11 active ingredients designed to address concerns like acne or aging. But layering multiple actives, especially chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), increases the risk of skin irritation, sun sensitivity, and a chronic skin allergy called contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis can severely limit future use of soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics, making it a lifelong concern. The study highlighted that many routines unknowingly apply the same active ingredient multiple times through different products, compounding the risk. For example, citric acid, an AHA, appeared in 29% of products, and some regimens included up to seven exfoliants.

Alarmingly, only 26% of daytime skincare videos included sunscreen, despite AHAs increasing sun sensitivity and the FDA’s recommendation to use SPF to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. This gap is especially concerning for young users with high melanoma risk factors, such as fair skin and freckles, who often apply multiple products without any sun protection.

The researchers created TikTok accounts posing as 13-year-olds to gather data from 100 unique skincare videos. They found that 76% of the top-viewed videos contained at least one potential allergen, commonly fragrance. Most creators were girls with clear, blemish-free skin, suggesting these routines target flawless skin ideals rather than addressing actual skin conditions.

While TikTok promotes self-expression and community building, the study’s authors warn that these elaborate skincare regimens offer little benefit and pose significant risks for pediatric users. The routines are expensive, time-consuming, and potentially harmful, contributing to increased skin irritation, allergies, and sun damage. Moreover, the widespread skincare content may exacerbate stigma around common skin issues like acne and eczema, pressuring younger children to use unnecessary products.

This study underscores the need for better education and regulation around skincare advice on social media, especially for vulnerable youth audiences. It also highlights a missed opportunity to emphasize sun protection, which is crucial for long-term skin health. Parents, educators, and healthcare providers should be aware of these risks and guide young people toward safer, simpler skincare practices.

In a digital age where viral trends shape behaviors, this research invites us to rethink how social media influences health decisions. Are we trading genuine skin wellness for fleeting online approval? The answer lies in balancing innovation with caution, ensuring that youthful enthusiasm for skincare does not come at the cost of lifelong skin health.