Key takeaways on the CTPA’s skin care advice for parents
- The CTPA’s research shows that 85% of UK parents regularly discuss skincare with their children.
- CTPA advises against anti-ageing products for young skin.
- New guide offers age-appropriate skincare advice for families.
- Social media and peers influence children’s skincare choices.
- Simple routines are advised: gentle cleansing, lightweight moisturiser if needed, and SPF 30.
The UK cosmetics industry body, Cosmetics Toiletries and Perfume Association (CTPA), has shared advice to help parents discuss the use of cosmetics with children aged between eight and 14 – as more than two in five parents admit their child knows more about skincare than they do.
The CTPA undertook an online survey of 2,000 UK parents of children aged eight to 14, conducted by market research company OnePoll in November 2025.
Why parents need guidance on children’s skincare
According to the CTPA’s research, 85% of parents say skincare conversations with their children are now a regular occurrence, and nearly a third (32%) discuss it several times a week.
The organisation is now aiming to provide advice and support for parents as they navigate this situation.
“The CTPA does not support young people using anti-ageing products or complex and unnecessary routines,” explained Dr Emma Meredith OBE, Director-General at the CTPA.
“Our aim is to ensure that products are used appropriately for each age range, helping young people understand how to develop healthy and age-appropriate skin hygiene habits and supporting parents in discussions with their children,” she explained.
In response to its findings, the CTPA has launched SkinCare Simplified – A Parent’s Guide, developed in partnership with Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. The guide aims to provide families with clear information and answers to the most common questions.
The research also discovered that when it comes to choosing and purchasing products, parents feel their children are influenced by social media (33%) and peers (28%), but primarily by themselves, the parent (54%).
In this context, the CTPA felt that key advice and messages around age-appropriate ways to look after young skin are needed.
The guide is now available on CTPA’s consumer website and addresses frequent questions raised by parents, including general advice on skincare for young people of different age groups, questions on common skin issues, and information on ingredients and labelling. It also tackles the topic of anti-ageing skincare, covers common conversation topics, and offers guidance for supporting children to develop healthy skincare habits, with input from Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto.
The information includes advice to keep skincare simple for young people. It recommends gentle cleansing by washing the face, or if needed, using a cleanser suitable for children/family use to keep the skin clean, followed by moisturising, if needed, with a lightweight moisturiser, and applying sun protection that is at least SPF 30 and has UVA protection.
Key findings: how social media shapes young skin habits
The CTPA also pointed out that the research showed unease around anti-ageing products in this context. A total of 78% of parents think they are unnecessary for children, that their use could pose possible risks to young skin, or that children feel pressure from trends or social media to use them.
Children are increasingly playing an active role in their skincare choices. Over half of children (53%) choose the products they would like, with either a parent purchasing (38%) or the child buying through gift vouchers or pocket money (12%).
For parents, it’s not just individual product use that is important, but also the timing: 60% said they are open to their children using skincare but acknowledge the need for guidance.
