Self-Expression with a Touch of Caution

Most parents remember that iconic moment in middle school or beyond when they were first allowed to wear make-up and finally dip their toes into the world of beauty products. Kids today have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing their look, including vibrant hair color, extensive skin cleansing products and bold lipsticks. Entering puberty often goes hand in hand with wanting to feel grown up; adding beauty products to the mix can be a part of that rite of passage. Let’s not forget—teens love to experiment with their looks!

The beauty product aisles of today are populated with items that are affordable and readily available: nail polish in thousands of shades, neon bath bombs, hair dyes, edible lip gloss and crazy perfume scents. However, although the product marketing looks playful and fun, many mainstream products may not actually be safe for children.

It’s super important to guard your tween or teen from harmful chemicals or hormone disruptors, which may be found in common beauty products. A child’s body is different from an adult’s and may be more sensitive to strong chemicals. In addition, tender skin may absorb more of a substance than an adult’s since it’s inherently more permeable.

In addition, since kids are generally smaller and weigh less than grownups, their bodies may not handle harmful chemicals as well as an adult’s. In cases where a small amount of a toxic substance may be safe, daily exposure can create some issues with a tween or teen. Small amounts can add up over time.

Here are some ingredients that might cause problems for children:

Synthetic Fragrances

This topic is widely discussed and debated because, while “fragrances” are legal, they are undisclosed chemicals that can cause allergic reactions or rashes. Reports online of children’s hair falling out after using certain shampoos, smoothers or other hair products is enough to make a parent lose their mind.

Solvents

Nail polishes often contain harsh solvents that can release toxic fumes. Always insist on opening a window, or have your child paint their nails outdoors in the fresh air. Nail polish remover is also toxic and may cause health problems if inhaled frequently. Better yet, opt for kid-friendly polishes that skip the chemicals. Try water-based ones or buy nail stickers to avoid chemicals altogether.

Preservatives

Other suspect ingredients found in beauty products are preservatives. These chemicals can be disruptive to young developing bodies. Ingredients such as parabens or formaldehyde are known to cause hormone imbalances.

Occasional use may be ok, but young people using beauty products more than twice daily can be problematic. If possible, keep exposure to a minimum.

Remember, tweens and teens are in the early stages of puberty, a time when hormones are especially active and sensitive. Some beauty ingredients are potentially endocrine disruptors, meaning they may interfere with hormone signaling—not a worthy risk for your child.

Although research in this area is still evolving, many pediatric and environmental health experts agree on this approach: reduce unnecessary chemical exposure during childhood as a cautionary measure.

Reactions

On another note, product advertising may include terms like, “natural,” or “safe”, but these words may just be marketing since they are not regulated in the industry. Be aware that “hypoallergenic” doesn’t mean non-allergenic; read ingredient lists carefully to ensure your child’s safety.

Instead of forbidding and eliminating beauty products altogether, take some time to do a little research. There may be better, healthier products available, and many families find peace of mind by choosing them. Look for:

Age-appropriate products: specifically formulated for kids or tweens, including water-based products.
Natural Ingredients: shea butter, natural oils like avocado or olive, beeswax and natural minerals.
“Free-From” Labels: Avoid parabens, phthalates, talc, synthetic dyes and heavy metals.
Certifications: EWG Verified®: When you see the EWG Verified® mark on a product, you can be sure it’s free from EWG’s chemicals of concern and meets the strictest standards for health.

Understanding that self-expression is an important developmental stage is paramount for relating to your emerging young adult. However, for kids and tweens, less really is more. Teaching children not only to love themselves as they look naturally, but to take care of their bodies, is a win on many levels. Choosing gentle beauty products can be less about fear and more about caring for your child during this critical stage of growth.

There are certainly many wonderful DIY natural skin care recipes on the internet. Using basic ingredients like bees’ wax, coconut oil, almond oil, cucumbers, berries and more, you and your tween or teen can have fun in the kitchen making lip balms or face masks from wholesome ingredients right at home!