Cosmetics and children
Not all cosmetics are safe for children to use. Learn how to make informed decisions when buying cosmetics for children to help protect their health.
On this page:
- Before purchasing children's cosmetics
- Cosmetics not intended for children
- Cosmetics in the home
- Stay informed
Before purchasing children's cosmetics
Children's cosmetics, like those for adults, are regulated by Health Canada. It is important to be careful when buying them in stores and online. Make sure to buy from trusted sources.
Before you buy, remember:
- Be especially cautious when shopping online, since you can’t physically review the product before purchasing. Learn more about buying cosmetics online.
- Only buy cosmetics that are made for a child’s age group, such as products from a baby or kids’ line. This includes make-up, moisturizers and body paint.
- Check the list of ingredients. Be aware of what's in the products you're buying in case a child has a reaction. If the product’s directions recommend a patch test, do one before use. Learn how to do a patch test.
- Be aware when buying products that may contain talc. No risk has been identified for most products containing talc. However, talc could be harmful to both adults and children as it:
- May be harmful to the lungs (difficulty breathing, scarring of the lungs) from breathing in loose powder from products, such as baby powder.
- May cause ovarian cancer when using products such as baby powder or diaper rash creams in the genital area.
- Learn more about talc safety.
- Think twice before buying bubble bath. Excessive or prolonged use can result in skin irritation.
Practice good hygiene
Practice good hygiene when using cosmetics to help prevent contamination:
- Wash hands before putting on makeup.
- Do not share cosmetics.
- Do not add water or saliva to dilute makeup.
- Clean makeup applicators (for example, foundation brushes and application sponges) regularly, as they can cross-contaminate products.
Learn more about how to use cosmetics safely.
Cosmetics not intended for children
There is a growing social media trend for children and youth to use cosmetic products that are intended for adults. Anti-ageing cosmetics are intended to be used by adults to improve the look of skin, such as smoothing wrinkles or evening skin texture.
Not only do children and youth not experience these conditions, their skin can be more vulnerable than adults to certain cosmetic ingredients because of their stage of development. They can also be more sensitive than adults, increasing their risk of reaction from products especially when using a large number of products or when products are not used as directed.
Check labels for ingredients such as retinol and retinal, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and bionic acids, which are typically used in products intended for adult skin.
Some common AHAs are:
- citric acid
- lactic acid
- glycolic acid
- gluconolactone
- lactobionic acid
Some common BHAs are:
- tropic acid
- salicylic acid
- trethocanic acid
- beta hydroxybutanoic acid
The safety of these ingredients for children and youth has not been verified. Learn more about the safety of cosmetic ingredients.
Cosmetics in the home
Even if cosmetics are purchased for adults, children may still have access to them. It is important to remember that:
- Some products are intended for adult use only and may not be suitable for children. These include products such as tooth whiteners, chemical peels, and products containing ingredients commonly used to treat adult skin concerns.
- Many cosmetics can be harmful to young children if swallowed, including nail polish removers, mouthwashes and perfumes. They should be kept out of reach of children.
- Always follow the directions and age recommendations on product labels.
- If a child swallows a cosmetic, contact the nearest Poison Control Centre. People in Canada (other than Québec) can call 1-844-POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, to reach the nearest poison control centre. People in Québec can call 1-800-463-5060. In Nunavut, contact your local public health unit directly.
Not all products are meant for the body
It is important to use products only for their intended purpose. Use only products that are specifically made for use on the skin, hair, teeth or nails.
Do not use markers, craft paints, or other art materials on a child’s face or body. These products are not intended for skin contact and may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Stay informed
For further information:
- Visit the resources below.
- Check for product recalls. If you have questions, contact the manufacturer.
- Subscribe to our electronic newsletter to receive the latest news and information about product advisories, warnings, safety tips, notice of webinars or consultations.
- Contact Health Canada’s Consumer Product Safety Program. Please use our General Enquiries Form, or call us at 1-866-662-0666 (toll-free within Canada and the United States).
You can also report an incident involving a cosmetic or other consumer product. Reporting injuries, near misses and safety concerns is easy and could save lives.