The context
According to a CTPA survey, when it comes to choosing and purchasing skincare products, parents feel that their children are influenced by social media (33%) and peers (28%), but primarily by themselves, the parent (54%). Skincare conversations with their children are now a regular occurrence for 85% of parents, and nearly a third (32%) discuss it several times a week*.
Available Advice for Parents
In this context, key advice and messages around age-appropriate ways to look after young skin are needed.
The CTPA Guidance SkinCare Simplified – A Parent’s Guide, developed in partnership with dermatologist advice, is designed to support families with clear information and answers to the most common questions.
The guide is available at SkinCare Simplified - A Parent's Guide.
It contains several sections addressing the most frequent questions raised by parents, including:
- general advice on skincare for young people of different age groups,
- questions on common skin issues
- information on ingredients and labelling.
Input from Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto throughout brings another layer of advice, ensuring recommendations are rooted in the latest clinical expertise.
Keep it Simple!
The CTPA, as the voice of the UK cosmetics and personal care industry, clearly reiterates its position that anti-ageing products or complex routines should not be used on young people’s skin as they are not designed for this purpose
“SkinCare Simplified - A Parent’s Guide” recommends to keep skincare simple for young people:
- Gentle cleansing: Wash the face, or if needed use a cleanser suitable for children or for family use to keep the skin clean
- Moisturising: If needed, use a lightweight moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated
- Sun protection: Protect exposed skin when the weather requires it, including using a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and has UVA protection
Read more and share:
Leaflets to share with friends and family with key advice can be downloaded here: SkinCare Simplified - A Parent's Guide.
** Online survey of 2000 UK parents of children aged 8-14 commissioned by the CTPA and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. The gender and region spread of the sample generally reflects UK population proportions. Data were collected between 31 October and 11 November 2025.
