Dear Friend,
We recently heard from a fifth grader about her personal story on the harms of anti-aging products. Like many kids, Scarlett Goddard-Strahan enjoys spending her free time watching videos with her friends. After hearing glowing reviews of various skincare products, the 10-year-old sought out products advertised as anti-wrinkling and brightening.
(Scarlett testifies at the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee during a hearing of AB 2491 on April 23, 2024)
But Scarlett then began experiencing skin reactions like burns and bumps after using the products. "I really wish that I would have known how these products would have affected me because if I did I would never have used them," she said during a hearing at the State Assembly.
My bill, AB 2491, will protect kids like Scarlett from the unnecessary risks of anti-aging products. The legislation will ban the sale of anti-aging products to children under the age of 13. Social media platforms are filled with beauty influencers promoting skincare products, resulting in a phenomenon dubbed "Sephora kids" where children are buying and using adult anti-aging products that are unsuitable for their young skin.
Children have more sensitive skin than adults, and common ingredients in anti-aging skin products are retinol, glycolic acid, and ascorbic acid, which are all highly irritating ingredients that can lead to redness, itching, swelling, dryness, peeling, and increased sun sensitivity.
The multi-billion dollar beauty industry knows that children should not use anti-aging skincare products. However, the industry in the U.S. is failing to take meaningful action to address the issue. Companies are profiting off kids who are unknowingly buying and using products not meant for them.
The skincare industry in the U.S. is booming. It's expected to grow from $190 billion in 2022 to $260 billion by 2027, and Gen Alpha customers are spending more and more on skincare products. In fact, households with kids between the ages of six to 12 spent 27% more on skin care in 2023 compared to the year before.
Retailers can play a key role in protecting the health of our youth, and AB 2491 will ensure that children are not using products that may lead to skin issues they wouldn't otherwise have.
Check out my explainer on the bill and KQED's coverage of the issue.
Woman of the Year - Sunol Glen Unified School District Superintendent and Principal
I was honored to recognize Molleen Barnes as Assembly District 24's Woman of the Year, and welcome her and her family to the State Assembly. Molly has dedicated over 37 years to education, and she will be retiring as the Sunol Glen Unified School District Superintendent and Principal in June. From overseeing recovery efforts after the flooding of Sunol Glen School to standing up for the LGBTQ+ community, Molly has gone above and beyond in her service to her community!
Mahavir Jayanti
April marked the birth of the spiritual leader Lord Mahavir. It's one of the most significant festivals for the Jain community. In celebration of this festival, I welcomed His Holiness Acharya Lokesh Muni and Jain community members statewide to the State Assembly last month!
Unsung Heroes of Assembly District 24
The annual Unsung Heroes event was a great success! This year, we celebrated the contributions of 25 individuals and organizations for their commitment to Assembly District 24. Congratulations to all the honorees, and thank you to all those who came to support AD 24's Unsung Heroes.
Youth Art Showcase - May 18
Thank you to all the talented artists who submitted their art for the first AD 24 Youth Art Contest! I'm excited to showcase top submissions and announce contest winners at the Berryessa Branch Library on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. Contact Jo.Nguyen@asm.ca.gov or call our District Office at (408) 262-2501 to RSVP. Looking forward to seeing you all!
AAPI Heritage Month Celebration - May 11
In celebration of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, I'll be honoring AAPI community leaders on Saturday May 11, from 3 - 4 p.m. at Jun Bistro. Contact Jo.Nguyen@asm.ca.gov or call (408) 262-2501 to RSVP if you're interested in joining this celebration!
May Community Office Hours (in-person) - May 30
I'm pleased to invite you to my upcoming in-person Community Office Hours on Thursday May 30, from 6 - 8 p.m. I hope to connect with you on issues most important to you, assist with state or local issues, and update you on my priorities at the State Assembly. You can call (408) 262-2501 to reserve your appointment or RSVP below:
Spectrum News 1 - CalFresh pilot program expires with lack of funding
Tens of thousands of CalFresh families saw a cut in their benefits recently. In mid-April, the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project ended due to the lack of funding. But, as Spectrum News 1 reports, the program was a critical lifeline for helping Californians make ends meet. That's why I've requested $30 million of state funding to revive the EBT Pilot Project.
Additional reporting by KRON 4.
The East Bay Echo - Students lead charge to increase visibility for California School for the Deaf
California School for the Deaf - Fremont (CSD) is a hidden gem of educational excellence. Last fall, CSD students presented a bill idea to raise awareness for their community, and all the opportunities offered by the school. They inspired me to introduce AB 2367 to create highway signs for state special schools like CSD!
The Bay Area Reporter - LGBTQ bills advance in Sacramento
AB 3031 passed its first policy committee, and the bill aims to address the inequities and barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ community. It proposes to create the LGBTQ+ Commission to monitor and assess state policies affecting LGBTQ+ community members.
May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share a few resources to help keep you and your family safe. You can sign up for local alerts at CalAlerts.org and visit this website for more information on preparing for emergencies.
Yours in Service,
Alex Lee
Assemblymember, 24th District
