Cosmeceuticals in the Pediatric Population Part I: A Review of Risks and Available Evidence

The rise in the use of cosmeceuticals among children and adolescents has created a new challenge for dermatologists, who are confronted with the task of advising young patients on the risks that these products can carry and the often questionable efficacy of these products. While some cosmeceuticals can be beneficial for this population when used correctly, such as broad-spectrum sunscreen or specific anti-acne agents, other products may not carry benefits for young skin and could even cause complications, particularly in young consumers who have skin conditions such as acne or atopic dermatitis. Many of the common ingredients in cosmeceutical products have had very limited (if any) studies conducted in pediatric populations, and much of the data regarding the efficacy claims and risks of these products must be inferred from studies in adult patients.