Res No. 689
Resolution calling on the New York State Assembly to pass A.10829, and the Governor to sign S.8598A/A.10829, legislation to require certain anti-aging dermatological products to contain a warning label
By Council Member Brewer
Whereas, According to University Hospitals, girls as young as 10, thanks to social media, beauty retailers, and influences, are buying expensive creams, masks, and other products typically marketed to older people; and
Whereas, According to Forbes, in 2023, American families with tweens aged 6 to 12 purchased 27.2 percent more skincare products, and those with teens aged 13 to 17 purchased 28.6 percent more skincare products; and
Whereas, According to CBS News, the skincare industry has made billions of dollars marketing products to children, and while it may seem like a fun and harmless trend on the surface, many of the products being pushed can cause damage to young skin; and
Whereas, According to Yale Medicine, most kids’ dermatological needs can be covered by a routine consisting of a gentle cleanser, water, a simple moisturizer, and a mineral-based, not chemical-based, sunscreen; and
Whereas, Children’s skin is thinner, softer, and more delicate than adult’s skin, so it is more sensitive to irritants often found in skincare products, including retinoids and retinol, harsh acids, alcohols, and parabens, according to Yale Medicine; and
Whereas, These ingredients may cause lifelong allergies, irritation, drying, peeling, and dermatitis if used regularly, according to CBC News, and a study of 100 unique videos by content creators between the ages of 7 and 17, averaging 1.1 million views each, usually featured around six products, sometimes up to 12, and that the most popular videos contained an average of 11 irritating active ingredients for young skin; and
Whereas, According to Forbes, these products have often not been tested for safety in children, as both the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency do not require the testing of products like anti-aging creams on children unless they are specifically labeled as made for children; and
Whereas, According to University of Utah Health, the labels on these products can be misleading, boasting about containing all-natural ingredients, and being gluten-free, paraben-free, and plant-based, while being unclear about the irritants contained in their products; and
Whereas, The “Sephora kids” trend has already prompted action, with Connecticut Attorney General Tong announcing a settlement with the namesake brand of the trend, Sephora, requiring products that may have ingredients harmful to children be properly and conspicuously labeled and training for employees who assist consumers so that they can identify products that may not be suitable for children; and
Whereas, S.8598A, introduced by State Senator Jessica Ramos in the New York State Senate, and passed by that body on June 3, 2026, and A.10829, introduced by Assembly Member Grace Lee and pending in the New York State Assembly, would require certain anti-aging care products to contain a warning label, printed legibly and conspicuously, that informs consumers if the product contains ingredients which may cause skin irritation, increased sun sensitivity, or other adverse reactions, particularly in those under 18 years of age; and
Whereas, Under S.8598A/A.10829, any anti-aging skin care product which contains any of the following compounds: (1) vitamin A or any vitamin A derivative such as retinoids, retinol, or retinyl esters; (2) any alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, or similar compounds; (3) salicylic acid; (4) DMDM hydantoin; (5) quaternium-15; (6) oxybenzone; (7) octinoxate; or (8) talc, would require a warning label; and
Whereas, While we should encourage children to care for their health, we must ensure that they are protected from misinformation and products that may instead cause harm; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Assembly to pass A.10829, and the Governor to sign S.8598A/A.10829, legislation to require certain anti-aging dermatological products to contain a warning label.
JN
LS 24669
8/19/2026