Bill > AB728

This bill aims to restrict the sale of certain over-the-counter anti-aging skin care and cosmetic products to individuals under 18 years old by requiring age verification before purchase. The legislation is motivated by growing concerns about young people, particularly children as young as eight, using skin care products containing vitamin A derivatives (like retinoids and retinol) and alpha hydroxy acids, which can cause serious skin problems such as irritation, burns, rashes, and potential long-term damage. Drawing parallels to existing age restrictions on products like spray paint and etching cream, the bill requires retailers to verify a purchaser's age through methods such as checking government-issued identification, using digital age verification systems, or verbally asking the buyer's age. The bill highlights research from medical professionals and organizations like UCLA Health and the British Association of Dermatologists, which have documented the increasing trend of children using adult skin care products and the potential health risks associated with such use. Notably, a 2023 NielsonIQ report found that consumers under 14 years old drive nearly half of drugstore skin care product sales, underscoring the urgency of the proposed regulation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB728