The Dangers of TikTok Beauty Routines: Impact on Youth Highlighted by American Research and the Current Situation in Japan

Table of Contents

Background of the Research

1. Research Methods and Key Findings

2. Detailed Analysis of Ingredient Risks

3. Economic and Social Impact

4. Bias in Aesthetic Preferences Reinforced by Algorithms

5. Expert Commentary—Viewpoint of the Japanese Dermatological Association

6. Skincare Practices Among Minors in Japan

7. Recommendations for Parents and Educational Institutions

8. Responsibilities of Companies and Platforms

9. Conclusion: Roadmap to Healthy Skincare

1. Background of the Research

Generation Z and Generation Alpha learn "how to polish their appearance" through short videos, making social media the main battlefield for beauty education. However, the quality of information is mixed, and its data-based safety has not been verified. This research is the world's first attempt to "quantify the reality of beauty content aimed at teenagers."

2. Research Methods and Key Findings

Researchers created a dummy account set to 13 years old on TikTok and extracted the top 100 "popular skincare videos" recommended by the algorithm. The average number of items used was 6.1, with the longest case using 12 items. The average playtime per video was 42 seconds, but there were examples of applying three items consecutively in as little as 4 seconds. Cost estimates were $168 per month, with a maximum exceeding $500. 

3. Detailed Analysis of Ingredient Risks

• Duplicated Active Ingredients

  • Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids such as Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid

  • Retinol, Vitamin C, Niacinamide

  • Fragrances and Preservatives such as Parabens, Linalool
    
    
    

• Major Health Impacts

  1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Induces Dryness and Inflammation Due to Barrier Function Decline

  2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Can Lead to Lifetime Banned Ingredients

  3. Photosensitization: Increased UV Damage Due to Combined Use of Acids and Retinol

  4. Pigmentation: Melanin Deposition Post-Inflammation Leading to Long-Term Cosmetic Loss

4. Economic and Social Impact

A routine exceeding 20,000 yen per month strains the allowances of middle and high school students, reinforcing the false notion that "high-end products = self-investment." Luxury brands becoming "status symbols" in videos not only influence purchasing behavior but also affect self-esteem, with the risk that household income disparities are reproduced as "skin disparities."

5. Algorithm-Driven Beauty Standards Bias

Research has confirmed numerous racially biased terms like "translucency" and "whitening," implicitly promoting "white skin = beauty." AI recommendations, focusing on engagement, increase exposure to extreme and expensive methods, creating a breeding ground for viewers to mistakenly perceive excessive treatments as the norm.

6. Expert Comments—Japanese Dermatological Association's Perspective

Dr. Ichiro Sakai of the Japanese Dermatological Association warns, "Adolescent skin has high sebum levels and rapid turnover. Acids and retinol can prolong inflammation and increase the risk of acne scars." The recommendation is to thoroughly adhere to the "three basics": ① low-irritant cleansers, ② non-comedogenic moisturizers, ③ broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.

7. Skincare Practices Among Minors in Japan

According to a 2024 survey by the Ministry of Education, about 38% of junior high school students reported "using multiple layers of cosmetics daily." Drugstore chains are also offering "retinol-infused lotions for elementary and junior high school students," with the market size expanding approximately 1.6 times over three years. SNS reviews account for 57% of purchase reasons, with information literacy education in schools lagging behind.

8. Recommendations for Parents and Educators

1. Checkpoints for Home

   • Aim for three or fewer types of ingredients.

   • Acid and retinol products should be used “only at night and less than once a week.”

   • If itching or burning persists, stop immediately and consult a dermatologist.
     
     

2. Role of Schools and Municipalities

   • Introduce health classes using SNS beauty information as a subject.

   • Distribute "Skincare Safety Cards" to students.
     
     

3. Collaboration with Medical Institutions

   • Standardize TikTok viewing interviews in pediatric dermatology consultations.

9. Responsibilities of Companies and Platforms

• Cosmetics Manufacturers

  
  

  • Clearly indicate age targets and self-regulate the concentration limits of highly irritating ingredients.

• TikTok and other SNS

  
  

  • Display labels for “ads targeting minors” and attach skincare basic knowledge links to beauty videos.

• Government and Regulatory Authorities

  
  

  • Suppress exaggerated ingredient claims with the "Digital Advertising Health Damage Prevention Act (tentative name)."

10. Conclusion: Roadmap to Healthy Skincare

SNS is also a powerful medium for delivering accurate information.For adolescent skin, the principle of "simple is best" should be upheld, focusing on ① cleansing, ② moisturizing, and ③ UV protection as the basics, with the addition of dermatologist-guided therapeutic items as needed. This is the most cost-effective and health-conscious approach. There is an urgent need for a collaborative effort among guardians, educators, companies, and platforms to protect teenagers from excessive beauty pressures.

Reference Articles

• "Rotinas de beleza no TikTok expõem adolescentes a ingredientes nocivos, diz estudo" (InfoMoney, June 9, 2025)  

• "TikTok Skincare Videos Created by Teens Promote Expensive Products That May Irritate Skin, Offer ‘No Benefit’: Study" (People, June 10, 2025)  

• "La mayoría de rutinas ‘skincare’ para adolescentes que hay en TikTok son dañinas" (Cadena SER, June 9, 2025)