In recent years, social media has fueled a trend in which children and preteens, often called “Sephora Kids,” buy expensive skincare products marketed to adults. These products often contain hyaluronic acid, an ingredient linked to anti-aging, raising concerns among parents about its safety and necessity.
Hyaluronic acid is generally safe because it occurs naturally in the body and helps retain moisture. However, most experts agree that children typically do not need such advanced skincare products. Simple routines, gentle cleansing and occasional natural remedies are usually enough for young skin. Avoiding unnecessary products helps prevent irritation, reduce the need for future dermatology visits and limit long-term insurance costs.
The science behind hyaluronic acid
To understand if it is safe, you first have to understand what it is. Despite the scary word “acid” in its name, hyaluronic acid is not a harsh chemical like the acids used to peel off skin. It is actually a type of sugar molecule, known as a glycosaminoglycan, that your body makes all on its own. It is found in your eyes, your joints, and especially in your skin, according to Healthline.
Its main job is to hold onto water. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic explains that a single molecule of hyaluronic acid can hold up to one thousand times its weight in water. Think of hyaluronic acid as a tiny sponge. When you apply it to your face, it sits on the surface and grabs moisture from the air, pulling it into the top layer of the skin. This makes the skin look plump, bouncy and hydrated.
Because the body already recognizes it, it is very rare for anyone to be allergic to hyaluronic acid. According to a SAGE Journals publication, this makes it a “humectant,” a fancy word for a moisturizer that attracts water. In the world of skincare ingredients, it is considered one of the gentlest options available, far gentler than the retinols or exfoliating acids that are also popular in stores.
Why safety is a concern
“If hyaluronic acid is natural and gentle, you might wonder why there is any debate about safety at all,” explains Tunde Rasheed, B.Sc. Researcher in Chemical and Polymer Medical Engineering. “The concern is not usually about the ingredient itself, but about how it is used and what it is mixed with. Children have very different skin from adults. A child’s skin is thinner and absorbs chemicals more easily.” Furthermore, children typically have high levels of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. Their skin is bouncy and hydrated because they have not yet started the aging process that breaks down these molecules.
Safety concerns also arise from the marketing of these products. Many hyaluronic acid serums contain other ingredients that might not be kid-friendly. For example, a serum might market itself as a “hydrating glow” product, but the label might also list fragrances, preservatives or active anti-aging ingredients that can irritate young skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology frequently warns that using too many products can damage the skin barrier, leading to rashes, stinging and sensitivity. Therefore, while the hyaluronic acid is safe, the product as a whole might be risky for a 10-year-old.
Risks and side effects
Even though hyaluronic acid is gentle, using it incorrectly can cause unexpected problems. The most common side effect is actually dry skin, which sounds the opposite of what it is supposed to do. This happens because of how the molecule works. Hyaluronic acid acts like a magnet for water. In a humid environment, the air pulls water from the air onto your face. However, if you are in a very dry climate, such as a desert or a heated house in winter, there is no water in the air for the magnet to latch onto.
In these dry conditions, hyaluronic acid will seek out water wherever it can find it. Often, it pulls water from the deeper layers of the child’s skin to the surface, where it evaporates. This leaves the skin feeling tighter and drier than before.
Another potential risk is irritation from “low molecular weight” hyaluronic acid. Some products break the molecule into smaller pieces so it can penetrate deeper. According to the National Institutes of Health, these smaller fragments can sometimes trigger inflammation or irritation in sensitive individuals, although this is less common with standard over-the-counter creams.
The risk of an allergic reaction is extremely low because the body naturally produces this substance. However, contact dermatitis is possible. This is a red, itchy rash that appears when the skin reacts to a product. This reaction is usually caused by preservatives (such as parabens or phenoxyethanol) used to prevent mold growth in the hyaluronic acid bottle, rather than by the acid itself. PubMed Central notes that if a child applies a serum and their face turns red, it is crucial to wash it off immediately and stop using the product.
Who should avoid hyaluronic acid?
Very few people need to avoid hyaluronic acid completely, as it is naturally found in the human body. However, individuals with a known allergy to avian (bird) proteins should be cautious. In the past, hyaluronic acid was often derived from rooster combs (the red thing on top of a rooster’s head). While most modern hyaluronic acid is produced in a lab through bacterial fermentation (making it vegan), some older or specialized medical-grade versions may still be animal-derived.
Anyone currently suffering from a skin infection should be careful. Applying a serum over an infected area can spread bacteria around the face. If a child has impetigo, cold sores or infected acne cysts, they should stop their skincare routine and see a doctor. As noted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, treating the underlying infection is the priority before worrying about hydration or cosmetic serums.
While most kids can tolerate hyaluronic acid, certain groups should be more cautious. Children with eczema or atopic dermatitis have a compromised skin barrier. Their skin is essentially “leaky,” letting moisture out and irritants in. While hyaluronic acid can help eczema by adding moisture, some formulations might sting or burn if the skin is cracked or open.
Children with very sensitive skin or rosacea should test products carefully. The Mayo Clinic suggests that people with sensitive skin should look for products labeled “hypoallergenic” and “fragrance-free” to minimize the risk of a flare-up. If a child has open cuts, scrapes or a bad sunburn, it is best to stick to basic, bland ointments like petroleum jelly rather than applying complex cosmetic serums.
Safer alternatives
If your child is asking for skincare, you do not have to say no, but you should steer them toward safer, simpler options. You do not need an expensive serum to have healthy skin. There are basic ingredients that moisturize without the hype or the high price tag. Glycerin, for example, is a humectant just like hyaluronic acid. Healthline explains that it is found in many baby lotions and is incredibly effective and safe. Ceramides are another great option. These are lipids (fats) that help glue the skin cells together, repairing the barrier rather than just wetting it.
Best practices for using hyaluronic acid
If you decide to let your child use a hyaluronic acid product, follow these best practices to ensure safety. First, always apply the product to damp skin. Because the molecule loves water, a wet surface helps prevent it from drawing moisture from the skin. Second, seal it in. Apply a regular moisturizer or lotion over the hyaluronic acid serum. This creates a seal that traps the hydration inside. Third, perform a patch test. Put a tiny amount of the product on the inside of the child’s wrist or behind their ear. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any redness or itching before applying it to their face.
“I try to emphasize to my own children that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective, and just because something looks fun to use or is expensive, doesn’t mean it is good or better for your skin,” said Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “More is not more in this case, and consistency matters more than a 10-step routine. So, it’s better to focus on fewer products that are used consistently.
To help hyaluronic acid work without drying the skin, teach your child to apply it immediately after washing their face while the skin is still wet. This gives the “sponge” plenty of water to soak up and prevents the tight, dry feeling that can happen in dry weather.
What are the disadvantages of hyaluronic acid on the face?
One of the main disadvantages of using hyaluronic acid on a child’s face is the potential for “over-hydration.” While it seems like you can never have enough moisture, keeping the skin constantly wet and saturated can actually weaken barrier function over time. This is sometimes called skin maceration, similar to how your fingers get pruney in the bath. If the skin barrier becomes weak, it becomes more susceptible to bacteria and irritation.
Another disadvantage is the cost. Hyaluronic acid serums are often marketed as luxury items with high price tags. Buying these for a child teaches them that they need expensive products to be beautiful, which can affect their self-esteem.
Relying on a humectant alone, without an occlusive (such as a lotion) to seal it in, can lead to transepidermal water loss. As Harvard Health Publishing notes, moisturizers work best when they combine ingredients that attract water with ingredients that seal it in. A pure hyaluronic acid serum often lacks that sealing component, making it an incomplete moisturizer for a child.
What ingredients should kids avoid in skincare?
While hyaluronic acid is safe, many products on the same shelf are definitely not. Parents need to read labels closely. The most dangerous ingredients for young skin are active ingredients designed to speed up cell turnover.
Retinol and retinoids (Vitamin A) are strictly for adult skin or severe teenage acne under a doctor’s care. These ingredients thin the outer layer of the skin and can cause severe peeling, redness and sun sensitivity in children. Exfoliating acids are another group to avoid. This includes high concentrations of glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid. While they are great for adult skin or teen acne, they are too harsh for a pre-teen’s delicate skin. Using these can cause a child’s face to be chemically burned.
Michigan Medicine also advises caution with vitamin C serums, which can be acidic and irritating. Fragrances and essential oils are common allergens. A product that smells like strawberries or bubblegum might appeal to a kid, but the chemicals used to create that scent are the number one cause of allergic reactions in skincare.
Bottom line
Hyaluronic acid is a safe, gentle and natural ingredient that is generally fine for children to use, as it mimics substances already found in their bodies. However, young children typically do not need the extra hydration it provides and improper use on dry skin can actually cause dryness or irritation. Parents should focus on a simple routine of cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, and avoid harsh anti-aging ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should kids use hyaluronic acid?
If a child wants to use it, applying it once a day effectively hydrates the skin, preferably in the evening after washing their face.
What is the safest hyaluronic acid?
The safest options are simple, fragrance-free serums or moisturizers that list hyaluronic acid (or sodium hyaluronate) as an ingredient, without adding retinols, strong acids or strong perfumes.
Citations
Julson E. 7 Surprising Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid. Healthline. Published April 21, 2018. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-benefits
Cleveland Clinic. Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, Benefits, How To Use & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. Published May 4, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22915-hyaluronic-acid
Sisodia A, Chettupalli AK, Bukke SPN, Rahaman SA, Chaudhary S, Nicholas B. Toning with Nature: A Review of Natural Ingredients in Cosmetic Formulations. Natural Product Communications. 2025;20(7). doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578×251353560
American Academy of Dermatology. American Academy of Dermatology survey shows Gen Z adults at risk for skin cancer due to increasing rates of tanning and burning. Aad.org. Published 2024. https://www.aad.org/news/gen-z-adults-at-risk-skin-cancer
Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(3):253-258. doi:https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
Dréno B, Zuberbier T, Gelmetti C, Gontijo G, Marinovich M. Safety review of phenoxyethanol when used as a preservative in cosmetics. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: JEADV. 2019;33 Suppl 7(S7):15-24. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15944
Mayo Clinic. Dry skin – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org. Published 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353891
Frothingham S. Is Glycerin Good for Your Face and Skin? Healthline. Published April 16, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/glycerin-for-face
American Academy of Dermatology . A dermatologist’s guide to skincare from growing up to glowing up. Aad.org. Published 2025. https://www.aad.org/news/dermatologist-guide-skincare?
Harvard Health Publishing. Moisturizers: Do they work? – Harvard Health. Harvard Health. Published May 29, 2019. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/moisturizers-do-they-work
Michigan Medicine. Turning back the clock on photoaging skin. Michiganmedicine.org. Published February 14, 2024. Accessed February 5, 2026. https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/turning-back-clock-photoaging-skin
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Skin & Soft Tissue Infections. www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Published 2023. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/all-childrens-hospital/health-professionals/clinical-pathways/skin-and-soft-tissue-infections