Overview

California’s recent legislative initiative, Assembly Bill 2491, is a significant step towards safeguarding young consumers from potentially harmful skincare products. This bill, effective January 1, 2025, aims to prohibit the sale of over-the-counter skincare and cosmetic products addressing anti-aging concerns to children under the age of 13. Specifically, it restricts products containing vitamin A derivatives (like retinol and retinoids) and alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid, ascorbic acid, and citric acid).

Generation Alpha’s burgeoning interest in skincare has not just influenced but also revolutionized the beauty industry in 2024, making it one of the year’s most significant trends. This generation, with their increasing awareness and purchasing power, has swiftly become a pivotal force in the skincare market. According to Ingenious e-Brain, teens were responsible for ~41% of the market share for the facial skincare category in 2023, indicating a promising future for this market segment.

By implementing AB 2491, California aims to prevent the misuse of skin care products among children, ensuring the avoidance of unnecessary skin complications and fostering a healthier skincare approach among children from a young age.

At Ingenious e-Brain, we recognize the challenges cosmetics and skincare companies face in navigating regulatory changes while continuing to innovate. With our deep understanding of the industry and regulatory landscape, we offer tailored consulting services to support companies in tracking regulated ingredients and identifying safer, more effective alternatives for their formulations.

 

Our Comprehensive Support Services

1. Regulatory Compliance Monitoring: Legislative Tracking: We continuously monitor updates and changes in regulations, such as AB 2491, to keep our clients informed and compliant with regulations worldwide.

2. Ingredient Safety Assessment: Our team supports you in tracking the safety, efficacy, and clinical studies of your peers to support you in your regulatory submissions.

3. Best-fit Alternative: We provide consulting on safer, natural alternatives to potentially harmful ingredients like retinol and alpha hydroxy acids.

4. Strategy and Technology Consulting: Leveraging innovations happening across the globe, we help you discover and implement innovative ingredients that are both safe and effective.

5. Formulation Support: Our technology consulting services help develop new, compliant formulations tailored to the needs of young and sensitive skin.

 

Safe and Natural Alternatives to Retinol

To replace retinol and other restricted ingredients, consider these safe and natural alternatives:

● Bakuchiol: Derived from the Babchi plant, bakuchiol provides similar anti-aging benefits to retinol, including improved skin elasticity and reduced fine lines without the associated irritation.

● Rosehip Seed Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and C, rosehip seed oil supports skin regeneration and improves overall skin texture.

● Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This versatile and gentle ingredient is suitable for young skin and is known for its ability to enhance skin barrier function, even out skin tone, and improve elasticity.

● Green Tea Extract: This powerful antioxidant protects the skin from environmental damage and reduces inflammation, making it an excellent addition to any skincare formulation.

 

Why Choose Ingenious e-Brain?

At Ingenious e-Brain, we are committed to supporting skincare companies to innovate while ensuring consumer safety. Our deep industry knowledge and expertise enable us to provide tailored solutions that meet regulatory requirements and market demands. By partnering with us, you can explore what consumers seek and prepare a feasible roadmap for new product development that meets industry and regulatory requirements, keeping you ahead of competitors.