Usage of Children’s Makeup and Body Products in the United States and Implications for Childhood Environmental Exposures

Eleanor A. Medley, Kendall E. Kruchten, Miranda J. Spratlen, Maricela Ureño, Anabel Cole, Rashmi Joglekar and Julie B. Herbstman ()
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Eleanor A. Medley: Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
Kendall E. Kruchten: Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
Miranda J. Spratlen: Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
Maricela Ureño: Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
Anabel Cole: Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
Rashmi Joglekar: Earthjustice, Toxic Exposure and Health Program, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Julie B. Herbstman: Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-18

Abstract: There is growing evidence of toxicity associated with ingredients found in cosmetics and personal care products. Children’s makeup and body products (CMBPs) are widely marketed to children throughout the US; however, little is known about how and why children use them. We administered a survey to parents/guardians of children aged ≤12 years about the use of CMBPs. Among all the children ( n = 312) of survey respondents ( n = 207), 219 (70%) have used CMBPs in their lifetime. Older children used CMBPs at higher rates than younger children, and female children used CMBPs at higher rates than male children. Children of Hispanic/Latinx parents/guardians used CMBPs more often and for shorter durations and a greater proportion used lip, hair, and fragrance products than children of non-Hispanic parents/guardians. Approximately half the children that use CMBPs were reported to use them with play intentions. Compared to children of non-Hispanic parents/guardians, children of Hispanic/Latinx parents/guardians reported more play motivations for CMBP use. Using qualitative analysis approaches, responses suggest CMBPs are commonly used for fun or play activities. This mixed methods analysis serves as an introduction to understanding early life exposures to this unique and understudied class of products.

Keywords: cosmetics; environmental justice; exposure science; children (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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