As more kids become interested in skincare, parents often ask for guidance on which products are both safe and effective. In this guide, I’m sharing my top recommendations for child-friendly skincare brands and products that work well for ages roughly 7–15. (Please note: None of these suggestions are sponsored; some affiliate links may be included for your convenience.)
Table of Contents
- What Skincare Products Should Tweens Use?
- Kid Friendly Face Wash Brands
- Kid Friendly Face Moisturizer Brands
- Best Face Serums for Kids
- Best Toners for Young Skin
- Skincare Ingredients to Avoid for Children
- Skincare Brands to Avoid for Children
- Best Skincare for Teen Acne
What Skincare Products Should Tweens Use?
Before diving into brands and individual products, it’s important to understand what basic skincare items are suitable for tweens.
Generally, if there are no particular skin issues, kids do not need a full routine—except for daily sunscreen during summer. However, since many kids are now inspired by online trends, having a few gentle, effective products can help maintain healthy skin.
For tweens, starting with a gentle cleanser and a mild moisturizer is a great way to introduce a skincare routine. This keeps things simple while avoiding potential irritants.
Kid Friendly Face Wash Brands
When it comes to facial cleansers for young skin, simplicity is key. Look for products free of harsh active ingredients such as chemical exfoliants (salicylic acid, AHAs), strong actives (vitamin C, niacinamide), synthetic fragrances, essential oils, denatured alcohol, and retinoids.
Some recommended brands include:
- Bubble Skincare
- CeraVe
- Aveeno
- Dermatica
- Hyram-endorsed options
- Cetaphil
- La Roche Posay
- Avene
- Byoma
- E45
- Simple
Recommended Kid Friendly Face Wash Products
- Dermatica’s Glycerin Gel Cleanser: A simple formula that works for both children and adults and is available at a reasonable price via Amazon.
- CeraVe Cream to Foam Cleanser: Widely available and very gentle—just steer clear of variants with salicylic acid.
- Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser: Offers a fun texture that kids might enjoy, providing effective cleansing without harmful ingredients.
Kid Friendly Face Moisturizer Brands
For an everyday moisturizer, simplicity again is essential. You can rely on the same trusted brands from the cleanser category. The goal is to select products free from the active ingredients mentioned earlier for a smooth, irritation-free experience.
Top Moisturizer Picks for Kids:
- Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer: A reliable, no-fuss option that comes in a squeeze tube for better hygiene.
- Aveeno Calm & Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer: An excellent choice that soothes and hydrates without clogging pores.
- Dermatica’s Centella Gel Moisturizer: Ideal for tweens, it combines centella asiatica for a calming effect with deep hydration.
Best Face Serums for Kids
While serums might look exciting in a routine, they are not always necessary for tweens. The high concentration of active ingredients in many serums can sometimes do more harm than good on young, delicate skin.
If you decide to include a serum, opt for ones with simple, hydrating ingredients such as:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycerin
- Aloe Vera
- Centella Asiatica (cica)
- Squalane
Recommended Options:
- E45 Basic Hydrating Serum: A minimal formula that comes in a fun dropper, making it easy for kids to use.
- Simple 10% Ceramide Booster & Omega Complex: Provides hydration and support without being overly complex.
- Aveeno Calm & Restore Triple Oat Serum: A gentle formula suitable for young skin, used up to twice daily.
Best Toners for Young Skin
Toners can be viewed as watery serums. They’re applied with your hands rather than a dropper and are meant to hydrate and prepare the skin for moisturizers. For young skin, look for toners that are simple and free of harsh active ingredients.
Favored Toners Include:
- Byoma Milky Toner: Provides a hydrating boost with playful packaging.
- Beauty of Joseon Rice Milk Toner: Uses rice milk for hydration and gentle brightening.
- Haruharu Wonder Unscented Black Rice Toner: A straightforward option available on Amazon.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid for Children
To minimize the risk of irritation or adverse reactions in young skin, avoid these key ingredients:
- Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
- Retinoids
- Artificial or Natural Fragrances
- Essential Oils
- Bakuchiol
- Denatured Alcohol
For a quick check on product ingredients, tools like incidecoder.com can be very helpful.
Skincare Brands to Avoid for Children
Many trendy skincare brands might seem enticing for kids due to their popularity online, but they often contain ingredients unsuitable for young skin. Brands known for including fragrances, essential oils, and chemical exfoliants include:
- Drunk Elephant
- Glow Recipe
- Eve Lom
- The Ordinary (unless using basic moisturizers or cleansers)
- Farmacy
- Caudalie
- Medik8
- Barbara Sturm
- Inkey List
- Murad
- Versed
- Sunday Riley
- Charlotte Tilbury
- Alpha H
- Ole Henriksen
These premium brands can often be found in high-end boutiques, but frankly, children do not need expensive skincare products—and the same goes for many adults!
Best Skincare for Teen Acne
While the above recommendations are geared toward general, gentle care for young skin, teenagers battling acne may require additional considerations. Mild acne can sometimes be managed with consistent cleansing and hydration.
For more persistent or moderate acne, consider the following approaches:
- Over-the-counter Salicylic Acid Serums: These can help clear pores—but use with caution in young skin.
- Professional Guidance: A pediatrician or board-certified dermatologist can prescribe treatments such as Differin (a retinoid) if needed.
- Pairing Prescribed Medications with Gentle Skincare: Moisturizers and gentle cleansers can minimize the drying effects of acne treatments.
Final Thoughts
Choosing child-friendly skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. For most kids and tweens, a basic routine of a gentle cleanser and a fragrance-free moisturizer is ideal—adding sunscreen during sunny days and treating acne only when necessary with professional guidance.
Remember, the key is to keep it simple and safe, avoiding strong actives that can stress young skin. With these recommendations, you can help your child or tween establish healthy skincare habits that will stand them in good stead as they grow.
