Is kids makeup safe?
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You can’t scroll through TikTok or Instagram without seeing kids as young as 4 and 5 using childrens cosmetics products. It’s leading to growing demand for non-toxic kids’ makeup as an alternative to adult makeup or unsafe products. The reality is that most of the kid’s makeup products on the market aren’t safe.
A recent study in the ‘International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health’ by Columbia University found that most children in the United States are using makeup containing toxic chemicals.
Navigating Kids' Makeup in the Age of 'Sephora Kids'"
It’s natural for kids to want to play with makeup, especially with social media apps leading to the rise of ‘Sephora Kids’. Children want to feel grown up by playing with makeup, but using products with toxic ingredients can have lasting consequences. Play makeup and childrens cosmetics sets can be safe for use if they’re made using natural formulas with safe ingredients. You should learn as much as you can about a product before giving it to a child, including checking ingredient lists.
Akiaco is an industry leader for non-toxic makeup for children. We develop over 360 children’s makeup products annually, working with brands like Hello Kitty, Disney, Barbie, and Walmart. We’re sharing everything you need to know about choosing safe cosmetic products for children, including the best brands for childrens cosmetics.
What Makeup Can Children Wear?
Children should only wear kid’s cosmetics that is formulated with non-toxic ingredients. Using childrens cosmetics allows children to experiment with color and texture without damaging their skin’s natural barrier or causing irritation. Non-toxic children’s cosmetics are an ideal option. They allow children to safely explore products like lip gloss, blush, and eyeshadow. These products won’t harm their skin.
It’s important that children only wear non-toxic as chemicals typically found in makeup can negatively impact their sensitive skin. Children are more vulnerable to toxic chemicals, with even minimal exposure causing skin damage.
You can choose the best lip gloss for kids by looking at the ingredients list. A kiddie makeup set should be chemical-free, dermatologically tested, and made with hypoallergenic ingredients. Most of the makeup for kids you’ll find on the shelves of your local stores won’t meet these requirements.
Read More: What makeup is appropriate for kids?
While children can wear makeup, it’s important to consider what’s appropriate for their age. Although TikTok is full of videos, kids using expensive products by adult brands, such as Drunk Elephant, they should use makeup designed specifically for kids.
Parents should choose age-appropriate makeup and read the ingredients list carefully to look for toxic ingredients. Many children’s brands create non-toxic makeup. These brands include Disney, Barbie, and My Little Pony. The makeup is age-appropriate and safe for kids.
The producers should ethically produce and make play makeup sets or everyday makeup kits to the highest standards.
At Akiaco, we have over 40 years of experience in the cosmetic industry. We hold international certifications for ethical and safe beauty manufacturing. Non-toxic kids’ makeup should be easy to wash off and suitable for sensitive skin, preventing irritation.
Is Kids Makeup Safe?
While advertisers often market makeup products as intended for kids, many manufacturers formulate them with high levels of heavy metals. They also include endocrine disruptors, asbestos, and carcinogens. Although regulatory bodies oversee the cosmetics industry, they do not subject toddler makeup sets to the same level of regulation. This allows harmful ingredients to find their way into products.
A cumulative study of over 200 surveys found that almost 80% of parents had bought makeup specifically marketed toward kids, including lip gloss and glitter. Research shows that most makeup for kids contains toxic chemicals. These chemicals include heavy metals. They are harmful to young children and linked to developmental delays and serious health conditions.
Toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde and lead, can penetrate the skin. They have been associated with health concerns, such as hormone disruption.
Investing in non-toxic makeup toys is crucial. It protects your child’s skin. It allows them to enjoy the creativity of playing with makeup.
Akiaco’s makeup for kids is made to the highest global quality standards with non-toxic formulas and natural ingredients. Our cosmetics, nail polish, hair chalk, and face paint are safe for children and cruelty-free.
What Ingredients to Avoid in Kids Makeup?
The key to choosing safe makeup for children is to know what ingredients to avoid. There are dozens of harmful ingredients in popular children’s cosmetics. However, there are common ingredients you should look out for.
Although the list below is not exhaustive, these are ingredients you want to avoid when buying makeup for children:
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- Lead: A heavy metal considered toxic for humans.
- Synthetic Fragrances: Typically include hormone disruptors that are commonly associated with allergies and skin irritation.
- Parabens: Can cause cellular changes. Common parabens found in childrens cosmetics include methylparaben, isopropylparaben, and methylparaben.
- Formaldehyde: Responsible for causing skin irritation and may be toxic to non-reproductive organs.
- Retinoids: A type of vitamin A often used in lip products that can cause retinoid dermatitis and increase your risk of sun damage.
- Mineral Oil: Associated with non-reproductive organ system toxicity, including ingredients such as liquid paraffin.
- Talc: This ingredient may be contaminated with asbestos-like fibers and considered toxic to non-reproductive organs.
- Preservatives: Ingredients such as methylisothiazolinone can result in serious skin rashes and are banned in several countries.
What Ingredients to Look for in Kids Makeup?
While it’s important to know what ingredients to avoid when buying makeup for kids, it’s just as helpful to know which ingredients to look for. Non-toxic childrens cosmetics should be formulated with natural ingredients and hypoallergenic.
Here is a list of ingredients to look for when buying a childrens cosmetics set:
- Natural Fragrances: A small number of natural fragrances, usually derived from essential oils, won’t cause skin irritation.
- Natural Colors: Minerals like iron oxide can be used to safely create colors and pigments for kids’ cosmetics, including pink and red hues.
- Natural Oils and Butters: Ingredients like jojoba oil and mango butter can soften the skin and soothe irritation by providing a boost of hydration.
- Plant-based Waxes: Candelilla wax is an alternative to harmful petroleum-based waves, particularly for lip gloss.
How to Choose the Right Makeup for Your Kids?
If you’re planning to buy a kid’s cosmetics set, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before making your purchase. Most children’s makeup sets are designed for kids aged 12 and younger, but some cosmetics may be made for younger children.
While it’s personal preference for parents to choose the right makeup for their kids, here are nine things to consider when buying makeup for kids:
Allergies、Formula、Safety and Skin Type
- Allergies: If your child has an allergy or is sensitive to certain ingredients, you’ll want to pay extra attention to the ingredients list. Makeup for kids should include allergy warnings in the ingredients list, including for products that contain nuts, such as shea butter and almond oil. While these ingredients are safe for kids, they can irritate those with allergies.
- Formula: Always check the ingredients list before you buy a makeup product for kids. The best kids’ cosmetics has hydrating formulas with moisturizing ingredients, such as jojoba oil.
- Safety: Choose non-toxic formulas that don’t include any of the toxic ingredients on the list above.
- Skin Type: Most children have sensitive skin, but if your child has dry skin, you’ll want to pay extra attention to the ingredients in their makeup products. Look for natural oils and plant-based waxes that moisturize the skin to reduce irritation.
Age、Brand、Occasion、Packaging and Personal Preference
- Age: Brands create makeup for children of every age, from toddler makeup sets to cosmetics designed to mimic the look and appearance of adult makeup. The products that are considered age-appropriate will vary. While you might allow an older child to wear pink lipstick, it might be your preference to only allow a younger child to wear clear gloss.
- Brand: Invest in cruelty-free brands that use natural ingredients and create age-appropriate makeup for kids.
- Occasion: If you’re buying a kid’s cosmetics set to be used every day, choose neutral colors and hydrating formulas. Bright colors are ideal for parties or if you’re buying a kid’s cosmetics set for a special occasion.
- Packaging: If you’re buying makeup for a young child, avoid packaging that could be considered a choking hazard.
- Personal Preference: Don’t forget to consider your child’s interest when buying kid-friendly makeup. Popular brands, such as Frozen, Hello Kitty, and LOL Surprise offer non-toxic makeup for kids.
FAQ about Makeup for Kids
We’re answering the most commonly asked questions about childrens cosmetics to help you choose safe makeup for kids.
What brand of makeup is best for kids?
Gone are the days when kids only used makeup designed for them. While it might be tempting to buy adult makeup for your kids, these products often have ingredients and formulas that are too strong for sensitive skin. If you’re searching for clean makeup for kids, it’s best to choose brands that formulate products specifically for kids using non-toxic and cruelty-free ingredients.
Akiaco is the leading makeup brand for kids with safe formulas made, with all-natural ingredients. All formulas are made without harsh chemicals or toxic ingredients, allowing kids to express their personality through makeup without damaging their skin’s protective barrier. We work with companies to create safe makeup for kids, including private labeling with services that cover every step, from packaging design to formulation.
What age should girls start using makeup?
It’s personal preference as to which age your child should be when they start wearing makeup. While most kids won’t wear a full face of makeup until they’re teenagers, they might start wearing products like lip gloss from as young as 6 years old. One product that all kids should be wearing is sunscreen with a sensible SPF for your country, between SPF 15 and 50.
Read More: Should I let my 11-year-old wear lip gloss?
What are the side effects of makeup for kids?
A child’s skin is sensitive and more likely to become damaged than that of an adult. Their softer skin can easily absorb chemicals and toxic ingredients, resulting in burning sensations, itching, and rashes. However, investing in non-toxic makeup should have little to no effect on your child’s skin.
A kid’s makeup routine should start with a gentle cleanser and include minimal face products with hydrating ingredients. Let your kids have fun non-toxic blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick formulas to add a pop of color. Makeup brushes and sponges should be washed regularly to stop bacteria build-up to prevent breakouts and skin irritation.
What can I use for face paint for my child?
Face paint is one of the most popular activities for birthday parties, festivals, and events for children. If you’re planning to use face paint on your child, you want to avoid using formulas with toxic or synthetic ingredients. We recommend using kids’ face painting crayons specially designed to be easily applied and removed without causing skin irritation.
Read More: Is face paint safe for 2-year-olds?
How can you keep kids safe when using makeup?
The best way to keep your child safe when using makeup is to invest in non-toxic formulas. Choosing the right products and caring for your child’s skin will allow them to experiment with makeup without irritating their skin. Here are four ways you can keep your kids safe when using makeup:
- Read the product description and ingredients label. Look out for the harmful ingredients included in our list above, and always research before buying childrens cosmetics from a new brand.
- Supervise your children when they’re using makeup to ensure that they don’t ingest any products or incorrectly apply them.
- Avoid overusing face paint, even for Halloween.
- Always remove makeup or face paint with a gentle cleanser. Don’t allow your kids to fall asleep wearing makeup.
Create Natural Kids Makeup with Non-Toxic Formulas
At Akiaco, we work closely with independent brands and small businesses to create all-natural makeup for children. Our specialist tea will work with you to develop your private labeling with low minimum order quantities and strict quality control. You can use our non-toxic formulas and natural ingredients to create custom products to enter the growing market of children’s makeup.
Start your journey to creating natural, non-toxic makeup for children by contacting our team today.
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