Safety and Tolerability of Facial Skincare in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Testing and Multigenerational Insights.

BACKGROUND

Pediatric and adolescent interest in facial skincare is increasing, often driven by social media and early exposure to adult-formulated products.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety of skincare products suitable for all ages through the lens of generationally evolving skin attitudes and routine behaviors.

METHODS

A 3-product regimen (hydrating cream cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, daily mineral SPF 40) underwent pediatric safety‑in‑use studies under normal use, comedogenic/acnegenic assessments, and adult Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT). In addition, a quantitative cross‑sectional survey across 3 age cohorts (8-17, 18-29, 30-45 years) assessed facial skincare behaviors and attitudes.

RESULTS

Across adult testing, the regimen showed low irritation and sensitization potential, non‑comedogenic performance, and no product‑related adverse events. In 4 pediatric safety‑in‑use studies, no clinically meaningful increases in erythema, dryness, or edema were observed. Among 855 eligible survey respondents, product use, routine complexity, and specialty-product exposure increased with age, whereas daily SPF use was suboptimal in 8-17 year‑olds. "Tested on sensitive skin," "clinically tested," and "fragrance‑free" claims were highly valued across cohorts. Dermatologists and other medical professionals emerged as the most trusted sources of guidance.

CONCLUSION

A skincare regimen developed with dermatologists demonstrated favorable safety in controlled and real‑world conditions across a large age demographic. Multigenerational survey findings highlight early engagement, persistent gaps in photoprotection, and broad reliance on medically oriented guidance, supporting the need for simple, evidence‑based, age‑appropriate skincare recommendations and greater engagement from the dermatologic community.