The luxury conglomerate LVMH, which owns brands such as Sephora and Benefit Cosmetics, is under investigation in Italy over suspected promotion of early use of anti-aging products among minors.
Italy’s Italian Competition Authority said in a statement that it is examining the “omission or misleading nature of relevant information” in Sephora’s physical and online stores.
The investigation includes “warnings and precautions regarding cosmetics not intended for or tested on minors,” particularly in product lines such as Sephora Collection and Benefit Cosmetics.
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The companies are also suspected of involving “very young influencers who encourage other young people—a particularly vulnerable audience—to purchase cosmetics compulsively,” according to the authority.
The promotion of these products, including those aimed at children aged between 10 and 12, may have “encouraged impulsive purchases of face masks, serums, and anti-aging creams,” potentially posing health risks.
The Italian authority added that Sephora and LVMH premises are currently being searched, and the investigation could result in significant fines.
