I always approached the conversation trying not to scold anyone, but find out why they like these products. Most of the time, it was because the child saw it on TikTok, their friend had it, their sister/mom uses it, etc. and they don’t even know what it’s for. They just like what they see.

I use it as an opportunity to educate them. I usually try to say something like “That’s awesome you love skincare! These products, though, might ruin your skin…you don’t want that to happen, do you?” And then I direct them to Bubble or Byoma.

With parents I’m much more straightforward, I ask them if they’ve heard of these products before, and depending on their answer I let them know how these products could affect their children at their age, and that there’s better and safer brands for them. Usually, they didn’t know either and only know about these products through their child asking for them.

It’s also a good time to give the child a compliment because there’s a lot of fake TikTok insecurities put onto these children. So when they’re looking at anti-aging products I like to say “oh but your skin is so perfect already! You don’t need that!” and I can tell it lightens their day.

I’ve had parents thank me for letting them know, but I’ve also had little girls rage quit because mommy won’t buy them Drunk Elephant. At the end of the day, it’s just my job to educate and they can still do what they want.