# Social media influence on adolescent cosmetic use > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/social-media-influence-on-adolescent-cosmetic-use > Updated: 2026-08-24T04:30:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. A Rutgers University study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology has linked social media beauty content to increased cosmetic use among high school students. The research, which surveyed students at Princeton High School, found that those following influencers with product lines used 30% more personal care products in a 24-hour period, while those watching tutorials used 40% more. Researchers expressed concern that this increased usage may lead to higher exposure to endocrine-disrupting or carcinogenic chemicals during critical stages of adolescent development. In response to the broader issues of social media influence, body dissatisfaction, and unrealistic beauty standards, the Italian Society of Aesthetic Medicine (SIME) has launched the ‘Laboratorio di Bellezza’ (Beauty Laboratory) project. Led by surgeon Rosanna Catizzone, this initiative aims to provide educational outreach in schools to support the psychological well-being of teenagers aged 14 to 18. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Social media influence linked to increased cosmetic use in adolescents Studies and new educational programs are addressing the link between social media influence, increased cosmetic use, and potential health risks like endocrine disruption in adolescents. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/social-media-influence-linked-to-increased-cosmetic-use-in-adolescents ### 2026-08-16: Rutgers study links social media beauty content to increased chemical exposure in students Rutgers researchers found that high schoolers engaging with social media beauty tutorials and influencers use significantly more personal care products containing potentially hormone-disrupting chemicals. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rutgers-study-links-social-media-beauty-content-to-increased-chemical-exposure-in-students --- Cite as: Social media influence on adolescent cosmetic use. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/social-media-influence-on-adolescent-cosmetic-use