The study shows that putting makeup on children can put their health at risk

Would you put perfume on a six-month-old baby? Paint their tiny nails with varnish that contains formaldehyde? Bronzer dust on their cheeks?

An investigation by the Times showed that babies and toddlers are regularly exposed to adult cosmetics, including scented sprays, nail polish and even black henna tattoos.

Although it may seem harmless - or even convenient for Instagram - science tells a more disturbing story. The skin of babies is biologically different from the skin of adults: it is thinner, more absorbent and still develops.

Exposure to certain foods can lead to immediate problems such as irritation or allergic reactions, and in some cases can carry long-term health risks, such as hormonal disruption.

Related: Health authorities find banned substances in hundreds of cosmetics

This is not a new problem. A 2019 study showed that every two hours in the United States a child was taken to the hospital due to accidental exposure to cosmetics.

The skin of a newborn has the same number of layers as adult skin, but these layers are 30% thinner. This thinner barrier facilitates the penetration of substances, including chemicals, into deeper tissues and bloodstream.

Young skin also has a higher water content and produces less sebum (a natural oil that protects and moisturizes the skin). This makes it more prone to water loss, dryness and irritation, especially when exposed to fragrances or creams not intended for babies.

The microbiome of the skin - its protective layer of beneficial microbes - also takes time to develop. By the age of three, the child's skin completes the creation of its first microbiome. Before that, products applied to the skin can disturb this delicate balance.

During puberty, the structure and microbiome of the skin change again, changing the way it reacts to products.

The investigation showed that bronzers and nail polish were used on young children. These products often contain harmful or even carcinogenic chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate.

Toluene is a well-known neurotoxin, and dibutyl phthalate is an endocrine disruptor, a chemical that can interfere with hormonal function, potentially affecting growth, development and fertility. Both substances can pass more easily through the thinner, more passable skin of babies.

Even low-level exposure to formaldehyde, for example, from furniture or air pollution, is associated with higher rates of lower respiratory tract infections in children (i.e. infections affecting the lungs, respiratory tract and wind debris).

Annoying ingredients

In the United States, one third of an adult experiences skin or respiratory symptoms after contact with aromatic products. If adults react, it is not surprising that newborns and children with a developing immune system are at even greater risk.

Perfumes often contain alcohol and volatile compounds that dry the skin, which leads to redness, itching and discomfort.

Some skin care ingredients have also been studied for their potential to affect hormones, cause allergies or cause long-term health problems:

Alkylphenols used in detergents and cosmetics can disrupt hormonal activity

Antimicrobial drugs such as triclosan can interfere with thyroid hormones and promote antibiotic resistance

Bisphenols (BPA, widely used in packaging, are associated with hormonal disorders.

Cyclosiloxans (D4 and D5) can accumulate in the body and affect hormonal balance

Ethanolamines can react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, some of which are potential carcinogens

Parabens are preservatives that mimic estrogen, although some studies show minimal risk at low doses

Phthalates used in fragrances and plastics are associated with reproductive toxicity, especially when exposed to early

Benzofenone is found in many sunscreens, and some forms can act as allergens and hormonal disruptors.