“Cosmeticorexia”: When Skincare Becomes a Mental Health Issue

The Trend: Cosmeticorexia is a new term being used in dermatology and mental health circles. It refers to a culturally reinforced obsession with having “flawless” skin — and it’s especially worrisome when it shows up in elementary-aged kids. The fixation has been driven by TikTok beauty content and “Sephora kids” running through skincare aisles.

What People Are Saying: A clinical paper in Dermatology and Therapy defines cosmeticorexia as behaviors like increased time and money spent on routines, anxiety when routines are interrupted, age-inappropriate product use, and using skincare to regulate emotions. Italy opened a formal investigation into Sephora and Benefit over micro-influencer marketing aimed at kids, including children under 10. Critics note beauty content has set pre-teens up to view a 12-step skincare routine as standard. Defenders argue that grooming interests have always been part of growing up.

What to Know: Cosmeticorexia isn’t a formal diagnosis just yet, but pediatricians note two risks: skin irritation from active ingredients being used on young skin (from products like retinols and exfoliants), and the mental-health effects of needing to have “perfect skin” as a measure of self-worth.