Cosmeceuticals in the Pediatric Population Part II: Ethical Dilemmas and Patient Talking Points

The rise in the use of cosmeceutical products amongst the pediatric population raises several ethical dilemmas, as well as new situations and questions that dermatologists must navigate with patients. Ethical concerns discussed in this review include the marketing of cosmeceutical products directly to children, the influence of social media and trends related to skincare, the use of anti-aging ingredients by children (who have not yet manifested any aging signs), and the misuse of cosmeceutical products to lighten one's complexion in childhood. We also discuss several related patient talking points for dermatologists to employ with young patients interested in cosmeceutical products.