Makeup on babies may trigger allergies, disrupt hormones
Cosmetic use on babies and toddlers is increasingly common. This makes it more susceptible to irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health risks, including hormonal disruption.
Dabbing perfume on a baby, painting their tiny nails with polish containing formaldehyde, or dusting blush onto their cheeks, such practices are actually far from safe.
From kajal applied to eyelids to mehendi drawn on tiny hands, cosmetic use on babies and toddlers is increasingly common. But what does science say when it comes to applying cosmetic products? Infant skin is fundamentally different from adult skin; it’s thinner, more permeable, and still in development. This makes it more susceptible to irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health risks, including hormonal disruption.
Newborns have the same number of skin layers as adults, but those layers are up to 30% thinner. This means chemicals from cosmetics can more easily pass through the skin and into deeper tissues or the bloodstream.
According to Adam Taylor, an expert in anatomy at Lancaster University, baby skin also contains more water and less sebum, the natural oil that acts as a protective barrier. This increases vulnerability to dryness and irritation, especially when exposed to products not specifically designed for infant skin, he wrote in The Conversation recently.
Some skincare ingredients are likely to harm health by disrupting hormones or causing allergies. Alkylphenols, triclosan, and BPA can affect hormone activity, while cyclosiloxanes may build up in the body. Ethanolamines can form potentially harmful compounds, and parabens mimic estrogen. Phthalates are linked to reproductive issues, especially in children, and benzophenone in sunscreens may trigger allergic reactions and hormonal changes.
Adding to the issue is the increasing presence of children's makeup and body products in the market. These include everything from body glitter and face paint to lipstick, nail polish, hair gel, and perfume.
A 2023 study published in Environmental Research and Public Health by Columbia University researchers highlights this growing trend and the accompanying risks. These items are often designed with bright colours and cartoon characters to appeal to children, and marketed through social media platforms that even young users frequent.
Columbia researchers found that most children in the US use makeup and body products that may contain carcinogenic and other toxic chemicals. Many cosmetic products for children contain heavy metals and other toxic chemicals that are linked to cancer, neurodevelopmental harm, and other serious and irreversible health effects.
In short, the skin of infants and toddlers is not equipped to handle cosmetic products meant for adult or even for older children. As the wellness industry continues to push boundaries, experts urge parents to prioritise safety and long-term health over short-term aesthetics or trends.
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