Sephora Kids. A Swedish pharmacy chain bans the sale of skin care products to under-15s

For a few weeks now, there has been a debate on social media surrounding Sephora Kids, these children who use adult products, specifically anti-aging care. With the risk of causing allergic reactions. Faced with this phenomenon of unjustified overconsumption, the large Swedish pharmacy chain Apotek Hjärtat has decided to set an age limit for the sale of some beauty products to 15 years old.

“As a major distributor of skin care products and as a pharmacy operator, we want to be responsible,” the brand’s chief executive, Monika Magnuson, told AFP. “Young people today are using skin care products in unhealthy and unnecessary ways (…) and we want to be the voice that says stop it. »

On the website of the Swedish brand, which defined the list of prohibited treatments, we can read: “Apotek Hjärtat, one of the links in the skin care and distribution chain, is concerned about (this) trend. » The products are basically anti aging skin serums. The bane includes AHAs (citric acid, glycolic acid, etc.), BHAs (salicylic acid), vitamin A (retinol), and vitamin C.

Redness and peeling

Indeed, retinol or even acids (such as glycolic acid, exfoliants and salicylic acid cleansers) “can cause skin redness, peeling and tightness,” warns Isabel Rousseau, vice-president of the National Union of Dermatologists and Venereologists in France. . “At age 10 or 20, we don’t need retinol, which helps stimulate collagen synthesis, which starts to decline (slightly) from age 30. In children, this active ingredient will simply irritate the skin, dry it out and in some cases even cause eczema. »

In order to purchase these products at Swedish network addresses, the customer must be at least fifteen years old, have permission from their parents, or be able to present a medical certificate justifying their use.

Sun screen

The implementation of this age limit continues online and at the 390 Apotek Hjärtat sales points in Sweden. “We hope that this limit will make more people stop and think, and it will lead to important conversations between parents, within families and within society, about existing ideals and norms,” ​​explained the executive director, emphasizing that the decision was made; was very well received by customers and pharmacy staff.

And the French dermatologist concludes: “The only cream kids need is sunscreen when they’re out in the sun. And when it’s cold, a little hydration with these targeted products without fragrance or allergenic ingredients.